A new political faction crystallized only when an individual took deliberate initiative.

Evidence

Dialogue is action when it contains the possibility of change. A crucial (and sometimes difficult) distinction to make is between speech that is mere discussion or debate and speech that is drama or action. If in doubt, ask yourself: Can this conversation between characters really change anything? When two characters have made up their minds and know each other’s positions on some political or philosophical matter, for instance, they may argue with splendid eloquence but there will be no discovery and nothing to decide, and therefore no opportunity for change. No matter how significant their topic, we are likely to find them wooden and uninteresting. … In order to engage us emotionally in a disagreement, the characters must have an emotional stake in the outcome; we need to feel that, even if it’s unlikely they will change their minds, they might change their lives. — Janet Burroway; Elizabeth Stuckey-French; Ned Stuckey-French, Writing Fiction, Tenth Edition, 188 (#expands, via linked claim)

It was one of de Gaulle’s finest speeches, a performance of hypnotic wizardry. The impact on Frenchmen of all walks of life throughout France was nothing short of magical. Nothing new had been said, not a single concession offered; yet it was as if, after an appallingly long week of perplexity and the nightmare of civil war, or fascism, here was the catharsis, the clear call to duty, that all Frenchmen had unknowingly been waiting for. Once again de Gaulle had got his timing superbly right. — Horne, Alistair, A Savage War of Peace- Algeria 1954-1962, 1120 (#qualifies, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Dialogue becomes action only when it can change something. — Janet Burroway; Elizabeth Stuckey-French; Ned Stuckey-French, Writing Fiction, Tenth Edition: A Guide…, 188; A leader’s self-awareness about his historical role shapes political outcomes; A leader can defuse an insurrection through cathartic rhetoric rather than concessions. — Horne, Alistair, A Savage War of Peace- Algeria 1954-1962, 1120 (+1 more)

Related

• A leader can defuse an insurrection through cathartic rhetoric rather than concessions. (similarity 0.79)
• Dialogue becomes action only when it can change something. (similarity 0.79)

Broader Connections

• Dialogue becomes action only when it can change something. #expands (0.75) — Janet Burroway; Elizabeth Stuckey-French; Ned Stuckey-French, Writing Fiction, Tenth Edition, 188
• A leader can defuse an insurrection through cathartic rhetoric rather than concessions. #qualifies (0.74) — Horne, Alistair, A Savage War of Peace- Algeria 1954-1962, 1120
• A leader’s self-awareness about his historical role shapes political outcomes #qualifies (0.72)