Antimetabole and Chiasmus

Antimetabole and Chiasmus

From Why We Do What We Do by Abraham

May 20, 2026 · 53 min · Episode 472

About this episode

This episode discusses the rhetorical devices of antimetabole and chiasmus and their effectiveness in persuasion.

There is a form of rhetoric that is suprrisingly effective at persuading people to adopt beliefs regardless of their accuracy. These are called "antimetabole." They are not necessarily inherently wrong, but we'll explain how to spot them and determine how they are trying to manipulate you. Recommendations Abraham: Learn ASL! ( lifeprint.com ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6w1ZDaE-whc&list=PLMN7QCuj6dfaUwmtdkdKhINGZzyGwp7Q1 ) Shane: Mortal Kombat II (https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/mortal-kombat-ii) Holidays (5/20/2026): Eliza Doolittle Day Emancipation Day (Florida) Emergency Medical Services Day Flower Day International Clinical Trials Day National Juice Slush Day National Quiche Lorraine Day National Rescue Dog Day Pick Strawberries Day Weights and Measure Day World Bee Day World Metrology Day International Pickle Week Band director’s day National Foul Ball Week Links and References: https://mralancooper.medium.com/antimetabole-1d95057c9658 https://rhetoric.byu.edu/Figures/A/antimetabole.htm https://www.americanrhetoric.com/figures/antimetabole.htm https://www.southfloridawriters.org/post/antimetaboles-and-chiasmuses-and-expletives-oh-my…

People in this episode

Host: Abraham

Topics covered

  • rhetoric
  • persuasion
  • manipulation
  • antimetabole
  • chiasmus
  • language

Keywords

  • antimetabole
  • chiasmus
  • rhetoric
  • persuasion
  • manipulation
  • language

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