Notes from a paper by Edward L. Bernays
(nephew of Sigmund Freud, noted as the father of PR)
The Engineering of Consent
Conclusion
Communication is the key to engineering consent for social action. But it is not
enough to get out leaflets and bulletins on the mimeograph machines, to place
releases in the newspapers, or to fill the air waves with radio talks.
Words, sounds, and pictures accomplish little unless they are the tools of a soundly thought-out plan and carefully organized methods. If the plans are well formulated and the proper use is made of them, the ideas conveyed by the words will become part and parcel of the people themselves.
When the public is convinced of the soundness of an idea, it will proceed to action. People translate an idea into action suggested by the idea itself, whether it is ideological, political, or social. They may adopt a philosophy that stresses racial and religious tolerance; they may vote a New Deal into office; or they may organize a consumers' buying strike. But such results do not just happen. In a democracy they can be accomplished principally by the engineering of consent.
The Century of Self
notes from 2015
(nephew of Sigmund Freud, noted as the father of PR)
The Engineering of Consent
Conclusion
Words, sounds, and pictures accomplish little unless they are the tools of a soundly thought-out plan and carefully organized methods. If the plans are well formulated and the proper use is made of them, the ideas conveyed by the words will become part and parcel of the people themselves.
When the public is convinced of the soundness of an idea, it will proceed to action. People translate an idea into action suggested by the idea itself, whether it is ideological, political, or social. They may adopt a philosophy that stresses racial and religious tolerance; they may vote a New Deal into office; or they may organize a consumers' buying strike. But such results do not just happen. In a democracy they can be accomplished principally by the engineering of consent.
The Century of Self
notes from 2015
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