Amusement Quote by Jonathan Swift
“Rhetoric in serious discourses is like the flowers in corn; pleasing to those who come only for amusement, but prejudicial to him who would reap profit from it.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: A Tale of a Tub, 1704
Rhetoric used for entertainment distracts from serious profit‑driven goals, harming those seeking real benefit.
In simple terms: Fluffy talk pleases but hurts profit‑seekers.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize substance over style when profit matters.
Themes
communication
profit
distraction
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business meetings
- political speeches
- marketing pitches
Key Concepts
rhetoric
economics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance wit and seriousness?
- When does humor become a hindrance?
A Different Perspective
Entertainment can undermine credibility if overused.
![“The most characteristic concern of rhetoric [is] the manipulation of men's beliefs for political ends…the basic function of rhetoric [is] the use of words by human agents to form attitudes or to induce actions in other human agents.” quote by Kenneth Burke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/059/kenneth-burke-22616_action_the-most-characteristic-concern-of-rheto_169251.jpg)
