Ultimately, these essays were re-published and bound together and are collectively known as The Federalist Papers . Looking at these essays now, one is struck by their sophistication. They laid out plainly and with out resort to invective, the case for the new constitution. The authors thoughtfully crafted words into sentences and entire paragraphs and created a monumental work of political pedagogy. The agents of this persuasion are the words they use.
Reading invites the deliberative process.
It necessarily engages the intellect. Of course, great literature can evoke powerful emotions through words. Nonetheless, it must do so through the faculty of reason that must interpret the words. As the ability to create images, audio and video becomes easier, I am concerned that too much communication is conducted without passing through the intermediary of words. Images and sound can convey information, but they are emotive.