What I meant was that if he could induce others to believe what he said, then for him the statement acquired some degree of truth, a reflection of their belief that it was true; and this reflected truth might grow stronger with time and repetition until it became conviction, indistinguishable from ordinary factual truth, or very nearly so.
The quote suggests that an individual's ability to persuade others affects the perceived truth of their statements. When someone can convince others of their viewpoint, that belief transforms the original statement into a kind of truth for the persuader. This process emphasizes how subjective beliefs can shape reality through collective acceptance.
Over time, as people repeatedly hear and accept an idea, it can deepen into a strong conviction that feels just as valid as actual factual truth. This highlights the complex relationship between belief and truth, illustrating how societal validation can blur the lines between what is believed and what is objectively true.
