Civility isn’t the end of deliberative argument; it’s just the beginning. To get anyone even to listen to you, you have to make your audience believe you’re worth listening to.

My new book got completely different treatments. Which is better?

The orators in ancient Greece and Rome recognized the magic of rhythm. They noticed that the cadence of an expression could have a huge influence on an audience[. Cicero was especially fond of one of the more powerful rhythms, the paean. We think of the paean today as a song or poem that praises, gives thanks, or celebrates a triumph. But it first meant words that heal.