Conservative Roman Rhetoric of Marcus Portius Cato (Cato the Elder)

Abstract

Whenever we need to speak about rhetoric, the constant need of
man of the spoken word, as unique way of mutual communication, is
probably the first undeniable fact which is imposed. Namely, although it
originated a long time ago, the modern way of life cannot be imagined
without the thing that distinguishes the human being from the rest of the
living creatures, that is the possibility to impose our opinion and view
about certain issues by speaking or addressing to other people, or to find
compromises to solutions using the force of the arguments.
Hence, although historically honoured, glorified, but also
disputed, belittled, vulgarised or even denied, rhetoric managed to rise
itself and survive all the undoing caused mainly by the conditions in
which it existed.
The fact that it was subject of interest of extremely important
and influential historical figures, who came in direct contact with it
especially in their professional life, is proof that the rhetoric is extremely
important domain of “human affairs”. Thus, it became an area of
research of many philosophers, writers, jurists, journalists, politicians
and theorists who remained permanently impressed in the collective
memory of humanity, especially due to its contribution in the area of
science in general. It speaks volumes about the fact that the importance
of rhetoric, no matter in what form it is, is not a marginal subject which
does not deserves attention; on the contrary, the understanding of the
rhetoric as scientific discipline, art or skill, or historical and modern
dimension of the rhetoric, will undoubtedly demonstrate the right way to
use best this “tool” typical only for human beings.
Because of these reasons, we believe that everyone who, in their
everyday lives, directly face the possibility and the necessity to address
the audience to whom he/she must communicate certain view in precise
and clear manner, accompanied by the elements of fun, as well as to
often convince them of something, must learn at least something about
the oratory. However, this does not mean that "everyone who wants to
give a speech will become a good orator, as well as anyone who wants to
play piano would become a famous artist”.