“Nothing is so unbelievable that oratory cannot make it acceptable.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“Nothing is so unbelievable that oratory cannot make it acceptable.”
Explanation
This quote highlights the immense persuasive power of oratory, suggesting that even the most implausible ideas can gain acceptance if they are presented with eloquence, skill, and emotional appeal. Cicero acknowledges that rhetoric, when masterfully employed, can override skepticism and reason, shaping belief not through truth, but through style, structure, and the manipulation of sentiment. This is both an admiration of oratory and a caution about its potential to deceive.
As Rome’s greatest orator, Cicero understood firsthand the influence of speech in law, politics, and public life. While he believed that rhetoric should serve virtue and truth, he also recognized its capacity to distort reality when wielded by the unscrupulous. This quote reflects a Stoic and Ciceronian concern: that audiences are often more swayed by how things are said than by what is true, and that even falsehoods can appear credible if wrapped in the right language.
In the modern era—marked by political spin, media persuasion, and viral misinformation—Cicero’s observation remains profoundly relevant. Oratory continues to shape public opinion, often blurring the line between truth and falsehood. His quote serves as a warning: eloquence, though powerful, must be guided by ethics, and listeners must remain vigilant, weighing substance over style to protect themselves from being misled by mere appearances.
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