What does it mean to say that we live in a world of persuasion? It means that we live【1】 competing interests. Your roommate's need to study for an exam may take【2】over pizza. Your instructor may have good reasons not to change your grade. And the【3】of your romantic interest may have other options. In such a world, persuasion is the art of getting others to give fair and【4】consideration to our point of view. When we persuade, we want to influence【5】others believe and behave. We may not always prevail-other points of view may be more persuasive,【6】on the listener, the situation, and the merits of the case. But when we practice the art of persuasion, we try to【7】that our position receives the attention it deserves. Some people, however,【8】to the very idea of persuasion. They may regard it as an unwelcome intrusion【9】their lives or as a manipulation or domination.【10】, we believe that persuasion is【11】-to live is to persuade. Persuasion may be ethical or unethical, selfless or selfish, 【12】or degrading. Persuaders may enlighten our minds or【13】on our vulnerability. Ethical persuasion, however, calls【14】sound reasoning and is sensitive to the feelings and needs of listeners. Such persuasion can help us【15】the wisdom of the past to the decisions we now must make.【16】, an essential part of education is learning to【17】the one kind of persuasion and to encourage and practice the other. 【18】its personal importance to us, persuasion is essential to society. The【19】to persuade and be persuaded is the foundation of the American political system, guaranteed by the First Amendment【20】the Constitution. (1)