Sympatico

1399: 

If we expect others to respect our views, we should respect their freedom to express theirs.  The sort of changes we want to see happen can only come about when free-willed individuals decide for themselves that it’s time for them to change.  I believe that change can happens when a good idea sparks excitement rather than guilt.  Guilt may shift us at first but it usually dissipates, whereas inspiration resonates with something much deeper, and continues to fire up with new thoughts and fresh feelings.  Aside from that, someone who is beginning to ‘get it’ may identify with the person who is introducing the ‘new idea’. 

For that reason alone, vegans have to be careful not to come across as people with good arguments but ugly personality.  We must, first and foremost, be seen to have a sense of fairness.  If the zealot appears or if we have any sort of ugliness, it stops people identifying with us, and therefore with what we say.  We have to try to hold their interest and leave them with something to think about when we’ve disappeared.   If we achieve that, then we’re half way to winning them over.