Description |
Throughout the centuries many people have attempted to plan, implement, and direct change. A multitude of methods have been employed: force, as in war; withholding of privileges, as in Lysistrata; persuasive speeches, as given by Aristotle; displays of violence, as in ghetto riots; withholding of services, as in strikes; subtlety, as in the speech of Mark Antony; self-sacrifice, as in martyrdom; threat, as in the Spanish Inquisition; and love, as practiced by Jesus Christ. Interest in power, persuasion, manipulation, leadership - the control of change - has been the basis of innumerable books, legends, philosophies, mass media productions, governments, and religions. Attempts have been made to change the world, entire societies, specific groups of people, and individuals. It is clear that an understanding of the process of change and how one can best engage in this process is of timeless, universal concern. |