“Great is our admiration of the orator who speaks with fluency and discretion.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“Great is our admiration of the orator who speaks with fluency and discretion.”
Explanation
This quote honors the ideal qualities of a masterful speaker—fluency, the ability to express thoughts clearly and persuasively, and discretion, the judgment to know what to say, how to say it, and when to remain silent. Cicero, as one of history’s most celebrated orators, believed that eloquence alone is not enough; it must be guided by wisdom, ethics, and strategic awareness. Only then does oratory rise to the level of something admirable and truly effective.
Throughout his works, particularly in De Oratore, Cicero defines oratory not just as verbal skill, but as the art of moving, instructing, and pleasing an audience. This quote reflects his belief that a great orator must balance passion with restraint, and clarity with careful judgment. He saw the orator as a civic figure with the power to shape law, culture, and public morality—thus, responsible speech was essential to the health of the republic.
In modern contexts—politics, law, leadership, or media—Cicero’s insight remains crucial. Fluency without discretion may lead to manipulation or confusion, while discretion without fluency may render even wise ideas ineffective. The quote reminds us that true rhetorical greatness lies in the union of expressive power and ethical judgment, and that we admire speakers most when they speak with both elegance and integrity.
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