Kuala Lampur, Nov. 10 -- On November 2, I found myself sitting in a classroom at Universiti Malaya, attending another session of my MA in Publishing Studies.

That evening, the subject was persuasive writing. I remember looking at the topic and thinking that I probably wouldn't enjoy it very much.

I have always enjoyed writing, particularly the freedom to tell stories and make sense of ordinary experiences. Persuasive writing, however, sounded rather like work.

There was something about the idea of constructing an argument to convince someone that made the whole exercise feel less appealing.

But my reluctance went a little deeper than that.

I have always been uncomfortable with the idea of imposing my beliefs or convictions upon other...