* Oral Tradition: Long before writing, humans used persuasive language in everyday life. Think of arguments, negotiations, stories, and even attempts to convince someone to join a hunt or share food.
* Ancient Writings: The earliest known written works (e.g., Sumerian cuneiform tablets) often included persuasive elements, like legal arguments or propaganda. However, attributing authorship to a single person is usually impossible for these early texts.
* Evolution of Language: The ability to persuade developed alongside language itself. As communication became more complex, so did the strategies for influencing others.
Instead of looking for a single "first," consider these factors:
* The earliest known examples of persuasive writing: These offer insights into the development of persuasive techniques.
* Key figures in rhetoric: Ancient Greek figures like Aristotle and Isocrates formalized the study of rhetoric, providing frameworks for effective persuasion.
While we can't pinpoint a single individual, understanding the history of persuasive writing helps us appreciate the evolution of language and communication.