In public speaking, we must appeal either to the…
“In public speaking, we must appeal either to the prejudices of others, or to the love of truth and justice. If we think merely of displaying our own ability, we shall ruin every cause we undertake.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Effective speech should appeal to universal values, not personal ego, to persuade ethically.
In simple terms: Speak to truth and justice, not self.
Prioritize audience values over self-promotion.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political rallies
- courtrooms
- community meetings
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance passion and humility?
- What values resonate with your audience?
Ego can undermine credibility.