“The flowery style is not unsuitable to public speeches or addresses, which amount only to compliment. The lighter beauties are in their place when there is nothing more solid to say; but the flowery style ought to be banished from a pleading, a sermon, or a didactic work.”
- November 21, 1694 – May 30, 1778
- Born in France
- Philosopher, man of letters, historian
- Wrote many works, including “Philosophy of History,” “De Toleration,” “Philosophical Dictionary,” “Philosophical Letters,” “Oedipus,” and “Candide,” and is known as a pioneer of Enlightenment thought.
Quote
“The flowery style is not unsuitable to public speeches or addresses, which amount only to compliment. The lighter beauties are in their place when there is nothing more solid to say; but the flowery style ought to be banished from a pleading, a sermon, or a didactic work.”
Explanation
This quote critiques the excessive use of ornate language, emphasizing that style must serve substance. Voltaire acknowledges that flowery language may have its place in ceremonial or complimentary speeches, where its purpose is to charm or entertain. However, he argues that such embellishments are inappropriate in contexts requiring clarity and seriousness, such as legal arguments, sermons, or instructional texts. These forms of communication demand precision and focus on ideas rather than distractions from superficial beauty.
In modern terms, this principle applies to effective communication across various fields. For example, in academic or professional writing, clarity and coherence are often valued over rhetorical flourish. While creative writing or advertising might benefit from vivid language, scientific papers or legal documents prioritize concise and unambiguous expression to avoid misinterpretation. Voltaire’s perspective underscores the importance of tailoring language to the purpose and audience.
A specific example of this can be seen in political speeches. A leader addressing a nation in times of crisis would be ill-served by overly ornate language, as the audience seeks directness and reassurance. Voltaire’s advice continues to resonate, reminding us to prioritize substance over style when the gravity of the subject demands it.
