Common people Quote by Livy
““There is never any lack at Athens of tongues ready and willing to stir up the passions of the common people; this kind of oratory is nurtured by the applause of the mob in all free communities; but this is especially true of Athens, where eloquence has the greatest influence.””
About This Quote
Source Historical work: Ab Urbe Condita, Book 1, 1st century BC
Athens thrives on public speakers who stir crowds; the mob’s applause fuels their influence.
In simple terms: Speakers gain power from crowd applause in Athens.
Key Takeaway
Be aware of how public opinion can be swayed by charismatic speakers.
Themes
politics
oratory
public opinion
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political rallies
- media commentary
- public debates
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
democratic theory
mass persuasion
Questions to Reflect On
- How does modern media compare to ancient mob applause?
- Can we protect discourse from manipulative oratory?
A Different Perspective
It may overgeneralize ancient Athens to modern contexts.
![“[Rhodian delegation:] Every city contains wicked citizens from time to time and an ignorant populace all the time.” quote by Livy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d7/livy-3007_time_rhodian-delegation-every-city-contains-w_191084.jpg)
