Rhetoric. Merriam Webster defines it as “the art of speaking or writing effectively.” Aristotle terms it "the ability, in each particular case, to see the available means of persuasion." So, in layman’s terms, rhetoric requires figuring out all the angles a situation can be looked at and then communicating those angles.
The importance of rhetoric is spelled out, though not in name, in the Abraham Lincoln biography by Doris Kearns Goodwin, Team of Rivals. Lincoln lead greatly, influenced and guided, because he understood rhetoric. He used it in his speeches to gain support and become elected, but more importantly, he utilized his knowledge of the art to design his cabinet, to choose those who would serve with him. Abraham Lincoln created a team of rivals.
He selected intelligent people from all parties and walks of life because he knew that to make the right decision and to be able to convince others of its validity, he would need to know the educated opinions of all groups. He knew he needed people who would argue with him and each other, and he knew how to communicate with these individuals to prevent intelligent debate descending to word bashing and angry brawls. Abraham Lincoln mastered rhetoric and he remains in the history books one of the greatest presidents the United States has ever seen. He used the tools of speech, persuasion, letter writing, and storytelling, to hold those loyal to the Union together. Thus united, the north had the power to bring the south to hand. In a way, Lincoln’s use of rhetoric is the only reason we are 50 United States.
Politicians today need to learn from Honest Abe’s example: be honest with yourself about your beliefs and values, but also respect the ideals of others. To accomplish anything requires debate, but it also requires decisions. It requires looking at different angles instead of repeating the same dreary statements over and over. Instead of beating your head straight against the same wall, the least you can do is to find a different angle or a different point on the wall to hit. Otherwise, the wall will break completely and be no use. Find some variety. Analyze facts and adjust arguments. Determine what other sides are thinking. Learn from the past. In a word, value rhetoric.
I completely agree with the idea that today's politicians need to learn from Abe. He had great ideas and unlike many instances today, he did not surround himself with people from the same party. Oh, and I really liked the "beating your head against the wall" analogy.
ReplyDeleteThe example of Abraham Lincoln is amazing. He is a perfect example of using rhetoric efficiently EVEN in a political setting unlike today. I think our society needs to focus on characters such as him in order to remember what rhetoric is suppose to be truly used for. The example just shows how sad it is to viewing politics in a negative matter when it wasn't always this way.
ReplyDeleteAh. Lincoln. It's amazingly how one man can still have such a strong presence hundreds of years after his death- and not just in our consciousness as patriots but as citizens with duties to uphold the standards in rhetoric he set forth. I agree, but could do Abe and all our founding father proud if we took our roles as Americans a little more seriously.
ReplyDeleteLincoln was indeed a master of rhetoric! There are so many rich lessons that we can learn from history and the way Lincoln spoke is definitely one of them.
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