Single Idea 7357

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

Full Idea

Of what use is eloquence? He who engages in fluency of words to control men often finds himself hated by them.

Gist of Idea

People who control others with fluent language often end up being hated

Source

Kongzi (Confucius) (The Analects (Lunyu) [c.511 BCE], V.5)

Book Reference

Confucius: 'The Sayings of Confucius', ed/tr. Ware,James R. [Mentor 1955], p.39


A Reaction

I don't recall Socrates making this very good point to any of the sophists (such as Gorgias). The idea that if you battle or connive your way to dominance over others then you are successful is false. Life is a much longer game than that.