"When a clever man has an honest case to make, it is no great task for him to speak well. You posess a fluent tongue, as if you were a man of sense, but your words lack all judgement. The good speaker whose influence rests on self-assurance proves to be a bad citizen; for he lacks intelligence."
-Teiresias (The Bacchae; page 134, line 267)
In this quote, Teiresias is commenting on Pentheus' rhetoric. Teiresias admits that Pentheus speaks with confidence, his message, however, is transparent, his words are meaningless. As a wise man, Teiresias can tell when a man has substance to support his superior rhetoric and when he is just blowing smoke.
Rhetoric is an extremely powerful persuasive tool. President Obama, for example, was a popular candidate during the election less because of any extraordinary political ideas, but more because of his excellent speaking ability. Even if Obama didn't have any plans to back up his speeches, he wowed the American public into electing him president.
It's interesting how an ancient art continues to be completely relevant in modern-day life. Interesting, but worrisome at the same time. I sometimes feel like the world isn't built on truth as much as it is built on what people convince others to be the truth. Media and politicians demonstrate this everyday.
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