Eloquence, when at its highest pitch, leaves little room for reason or reflection; but addressing itself entirely to the fancy or the affections, captivates the willing hearers, and subdues their understanding. Happily, this pitch it seldom attains. But what a Tully or a Demosthenes could scarcely effect over a Roman or Athenian audience, every Capuchin, every itinerant or stationary teacher can perform over the generality of mankind, and in a higher degree, by touching such gross and vulgar passions.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- High eloquence bypasses reason to captivate emotions, though rare in great orators, common preachers easily manipulate the masses through vulgar passions.
- In plain terms
- Persuasive speech often overrides logic by appealing to feelings, and ordinary speakers do this more often than famous orators.
- What can you take from it?
- Be wary when speech targets emotions over logic.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When did emotion override your logic?
- Who appeals to your passions?
Another view
Not all emotional speech is manipulative.
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