--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Concerning the utility of Rhetoric, it is…" description: "\"Concerning the utility of Rhetoric, it is to be observed that it divides itself into two; first, whether Oratorical skill be, on the whole, a public be..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/de8/richard-whately-3892_artificial_concerning-the-utility-of-rhetoric-it-is_1206863.png" --- # Concerning the utility of Rhetoric, it is to be observed… ![“Concerning the utility of Rhetoric, it is to be observed that it divides itself into two; first, whether Oratorical skill be, on the whole, a public benefit, or evil; and secondly, whether any artificial system of Rules is conducive to the attainment of that skill.” quote by Richard Whately](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/de8/richard-whately-3892_artificial_concerning-the-utility-of-rhetoric-it-is_1206863.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/de8/richard-whately-3892_artificial_concerning-the-utility-of-rhetoric-it-is_1206863.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/de8/richard-whately-3892_artificial_concerning-the-utility-of-rhetoric-it-is_1206863.png) > “Concerning the utility of Rhetoric, it is to be observed that it divides itself into two; first, whether Oratorical skill be, on the whole, a public benefit, or evil; and secondly, whether any artificial system of Rules is conducive to the attainment of that skill.” [Richard Whately](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-whately/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Distinguishes between public benefit and harm of rhetoric, and the role of rules in developing skill. **In simple terms:** Rhetoric can help or harm; rules matter. Key Takeaway Use rhetoric responsibly. Themes communication ethics education Mood analytical instructive Type educational philosophical When to use this quote - political debate - teaching - media analysis Key Concepts rhetorical skill regulation public discourse Questions to Reflect On - When is rhetoric harmful? - What rules improve or? 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