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If we take a look and compare each Jedi (or Force user) and their track record when it comes to using the iconic Jedi mind trick (not so "Jedi", it seems), a Force ability used to influence the thoughts of others, Obi-Wan stands out:

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Obi-Wan stands out even more when we take into account failed attempts at using mind tricks:

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Question: is Obi-Wan's pattern of frequent and highly successful mind trick use a coincidence or is it attributable to something else (like natural talent or skill)?

Essentially I'm looking for a reference, if it exists, from Star Wars canon, which could support either possibility, or a definitive "No, there is no such reference" answer (which would support and suggest "Coincidence"). Legends won't be accepted as a valid source, but will be regarded as interesting trivia if a canonical reference is absent.

Note: the numbers in the graphs were mined from the History section of the Mind trick article on Wookieepedia, which contains cited claims with valid sources, all of which are also part of the new Star Wars canon.

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  • 8
    Mind tricks don't work on Stack Exchange, only money!
    – Adamant
    Commented Jul 22, 2017 at 10:52
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    OMG, Force abilities mapped out on a graph??? My day is complete.
    – The Dark Lord
    Commented Jul 22, 2017 at 11:10
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    Some of the failed attempts were due to the fact that the recipient was immune, so I don't know if it should count in the first place...
    – Hans Olo
    Commented Jul 22, 2017 at 11:35
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    @GhotiandChips I think your count $N$ is what's the issue, it's too small to make any inferences from.
    – Kyle Kanos
    Commented Jul 22, 2017 at 11:49
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    @KyleKanos "you're asking others to make inferences from the data" Nonsense, I didn't ask such a thing. I used and presented the data to justify my question, and then my question is after an actual reference from the canon in which Obi-Wan's talent/ability is shown to be significant (as an invented example, a conversation where this phenomenon is brought up and someone replies, "That's why Obi-Wan is so effective in his ability to compel others" etc.), so I flatly reject your claim that I'm asking people to make inferences based on the data I present.
    – Ghoti and Chips
    Commented Jul 22, 2017 at 12:17

1 Answer 1

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Apparently each jedi has a specific talent in force related skills. If you read the any of the Knights of the Old Republic comics/books as well as the X Wing series by Michael Stackpole, it explains that some jedi have an affinity for certain skills, for instance Corran Horn had a talent for illusion/persuasion based abilities but couldnt perform basic telekinesis unless under extreme pressure.

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  • Although this is kinda interesting, does it refer to Kenobi?
    – Valorum
    Commented Sep 17, 2017 at 21:09
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    not directly but the idea that each jedi has a talent could be why Kenobi's mind tricks are successful, he is called the "negotiator" for a reason.
    – Neil Norris
    Commented Sep 17, 2017 at 21:11
  • Are those comics/books still canon? If so, perhaps you can expand you answer.
    – Tim
    Commented Sep 17, 2017 at 21:13
  • this is half of the problem with answering this one, the x-wing books arent canon anymore but the knights of the old republic books are in this kind of middle ground where disney say that anything after the films isnt canon but constantly borrows elements from it. As far as KOTOR being canon, KOTOR, the mandalorian wars, thrawn etc are mentioned in Rebels making them canon, until disney say otherwise.
    – Neil Norris
    Commented Sep 17, 2017 at 21:17
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    General Grevious in episode III. It was also referenced as Kenobis nickname in the book "ultimate starwars" which was an official guide made for fans of the movies.
    – Neil Norris
    Commented Sep 17, 2017 at 21:35

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