The Quintilian’s Institutes of Oratory delves into the philosophical nature of oration. In these chapters Quintilian emphasizes the necessity for any orator to come from a stand point of virtue and morality. He verbalizes this emphasis through a (borderline) repetitive mention of one’s ‘goodness’. In chapter one, the author states that a man’s ability to perform logic and reasoning is a gift from the gods. This gift is neutral and should be utilized with good intentions, specifically for the study of literature and academics. Quintilian, gives further definition to an ‘oratorical persona’, by affirming that no (good) orator can entertain malevolent thoughts or meditate on evil deeds. An importance is placed upon eloquence throughout Quintilian’s book as well as in Cicero’s De Oratore. In Quintilian’s perspective eloquence is one objective an orator is trying to achieve. However, this task is easier said than orated. To achieve eloquence one must implant the feelings of his audience within himself so that he may speak with the same passion and vigor.
“Simulation, however guarded, always betrays itself, nor was there ever such power of eloquence in any man that he would not falter and hesitate whenever his words were at variance with his thoughts” Quintilian’s Institutes of Oratory 12:1:29.
In Chapter 1 Quintilian evokes a deep philosophical imperative by stating the potential men have. Through syllogism he comes to the conclusion that if men have been granted the gift of good nature, why should he not use oration to achieve eloquence.
“At least let the notion be wholly banished from our thoughts that perfect, eloquence, the noblest of human attainments, can be united with a vicious character of mind” Quintilian’s Institutes of Oratory 12:1:32
Although much of this discourse about man kind’s nature, is initially hunky dory and goody-goody, Quintilian also places an emphasis about difficult moral situations, where a good man can often be perceived as the evil doer. In these situations it is imperative for the orator to use eloquence tactically and “with uprightness of intention being always maintained”.
Cicero, De Oratore, Book One, Parts XXXI-XXXIV agrees forthright with the Quintilian’s claims to the natural ‘goodness’ an orator must observe. However, Cicero delves deeper into the steps an orator must take to achieve eloquence. in vs 142 Cicero clearly states the divisions of artistic oration:
- recognize his subject
- dispose and arrange his matter with power and judgment
- clothe and deck his thoughts with language
- secure them in his memory
- deliver them with dignity and grace
After stating these steps which a orator should take, Cicero goes on to define the proper setting for a debate:
“before we enter upon the main subject, the minds of the audience should be conciliated by an exordium; next that the case should be clearly stated; then that the point in controversy should be established; then, that what we maintain should be supported by proof, and that whatever was said on the other side should be refuted… whatever was in our favour should be amplified and enforced” Cicero, De Oratore 1, XXXIII, 143
Cicero also eludes to the importance of a well rounded orator, who is knowledgeable in not only his field, but a wide range of subjects. This overall knowledge of the different aspects and cultures of society, reminded me of a ‘renaissance man’ ( of which was probably based upon these Greek philosophical ideals). One quote from Virgil which captures the essence of Cicero’s argument is:
“Ille regit dictis animos, et pectora mulcet”
“With words he rules thier passions and their breasts controls”.
These pillars of oration which these great thinkers and writers emphasize is something which American politicians and presidents have striven to achieve in public speeches. Memorizing bits and pieces of great presidential speeches is a sign of patriotism and national pride for American’s. I personally find it difficult to find one mature American who does not know the beginning of the Getty’s Burg address. Although these ubiquitous ideals of eloquence and moral oration stand true for many generations of Americans, there exists one president who breaks all of these qualities which make American presidents so orally renown. His name is George W. Bush Jr., please watch carefully: httpv://youtu.be/O_RSQSYgGB4
President Bush represents a fundamental contradiction to Cicero and Quintilian. How could there exist a person who commanded one of the most powerful nations in the world, who lacks the essential qualities of a eloquent orator? Is it possible that a majority of America’s citizens are ignorant to the requirements of oration? American’s must look to the skills of eloquent oration to conclude the character of our future leaders. If we do not, we could find oursleves with a leader much like Lucius Catiline.
Roman Guard
In Cicero, Cataline Orations Cicero delivers a oratorical ‘beat down’ to Lucius for his dubious plans against Italy. After many attempts to sabotage Cicero’s authority and life Lucius appears before the Roman court, with the balls to sit by himself in front of Cicero. In his extensive argument against Lucius, Cicero describes Lucius’ imperative exile from Italy. As Cicero argues, ‘advising’ Lucius into exile will draw others like him out of Rome into the same state of banishment. This tactic resembles the sucking of poison from a wound.
“For what is there, O Catiline, that can now afford you any pleasure in this city? for there is no one in it, except that band of profligate conspirators of yours, who does not fear you,—no one who does not hate you. What brand of domestic baseness is not stamped upon your life? What disgraceful circumstance is wanting to your infamy in your private affairs? From what licentiousness have your eyes, from what atrocity have your hands, from what iniquity has your whole body ever abstained? Is there one youth, when you have once entangled him in the temptations of your corruption, to whom you have not held out a sword for audacious crime, or a torch for licentious wickedness?” M.T. Cicero 14