Single Idea 159

[catalogued under 19. Language / F. Communication / 1. Rhetoric]

Full Idea

Unless a man becomes an adequate philosopher he will never be an adequate speaker on any subject.

Gist of Idea

Only a good philosopher can be a good speaker

Source

Plato (Phaedrus [c.368 BCE], 261a)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Phaedrus and Letters VII and VIII', ed/tr. Hamilton,Walter [Penguin 1973], p.73


A Reaction

Depends. Hitler showed little sign of clear philosophical thinking, but the addition of lights and uniforms seemed to sweep reasonably intelligent people along with him.