As a corollary, the most intelligent and effective persuaders are brilliant at making the people they are educating feel unattacked. In fact, the very best can make you feel all warm and cozy, like you came up with the idea yourself. Being right about a topic is a necessary first step. Understanding human nature and developing those fine interpersonal skills requires extreme humility and talent. I’m awestruck by those who can pull it off, and I strive always to move in that general direction. Human emotions and flaws make it very difficult, though.