Civil war Quote by Thomas Hobbes
““one who, though he never digress to read a Lecture, Moral or Political, upon his own Text, nor enter into men’s hearts, further than the Actions themselves evidently guide him…filleth his Narrations with that choice of matter, and ordereth them with that Judgement, and with such perspicuity and efficacy expresseth himself that (as Plutarch saith) he maketh his Auditor a Spectator. For he setteth his Reader in the Assemblies of the People, and in their Senates, at their debating; in the Streets, at their Seditions; and in the Field, at their Battels. Quoted by Shelby Foote in his The Civil War: A Narrative – Volume 2: Fredericksburg to Meridian, Bibliographical Note, from Thomas Hobbes’ Forward to Hobbes’ translation of The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Peloponnesian War (translation) by Thomas Hobbes, 1656
Hobbes describes how a skilled writer can immerse readers in public life, making them observers of civic events through clear, effective storytelling.
In simple terms: A good writer makes readers feel present in public affairs.
Key Takeaway
Use vivid, organized narrative to engage audiences.
Themes
storytelling
civic engagement
clarity
persuasion
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political speeches
- historical documentaries
- educational lectures
- theatrical performances
Key Concepts
narrative technique
public discourse
immersion
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance detail with focus?
- What techniques keep audiences engaged without losing clarity?
A Different Perspective
Overly detailed narratives may overwhelm or distract from core messages.
![“About Thomas Hobbes: He was 40 years old before he looked on geometry; which happened accidentally. Being in a gentleman's library, Euclid's Elements lay open, and "twas the 47 El. libri I" [Pythagoras' Theorem]. He read the proposition "By God", sayd he, "this is impossible:" So he reads the…” quote by John Aubrey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d43/john-aubrey-29611_convinced_about-thomas-hobbes-he-was-40-years-old_1668279.jpg)
