The Renaissance was a time of great change in technology, belief, values, and even language. People changed the way that they talked to each other and reverted to older grammar rules from the time of ancient Rome. This language change was very significant as it required the ideal Renaissance man, who had to be intelligent and knowledgeable in various fields as it was, to be an eloquent orator.
An example of the type of speaking that was expected by intellectuals at the time is Pico della Mirandola's (pictured above) speech Oration on the Dignity of Man. In his speech, Mirandola expresses the values of humanism, as it was starting to become more known at the time, and expresses the ideas of it in a way that, today, we would probably just see as rambling with some fancy vocabulary words thrown in there, but at the time, was considered brilliant rhetoric. The way he speaks lets his audience know that he knows what he is talking about as well as who he is talking to. He references scripture and uses it to back up the beliefs he is defending, helping him to better persuade his primarily Christian audience.
When humanism was on the rise, the philosophers of the Renaissance had to be able to speak well when their values were tested by religious leaders. The church of the time was very much against humanism and how it contradicted their long-held beliefs regarding the nature of man. However, with their expert oration skills, the philosophers of the Renaissance were able to keep their new ideas alive and thriving throughout the era.
I love that idea that the influential politicians or philosophers of the time had to be able to speak well to accomplish anything. It definitely is not always the case now, politicians have teams of writers to do that for them a lot of the time. I wonder how it would be different today if we only accepted those in power who had that ability to speak well for themselves.
ReplyDeleteI took a class in Communications last semester, about how we're returning to the age before the printing press, where speech and oratory ability is once again becoming increasingly important. Because we're receiving such instantaneous news, I think people are becoming more aware of how many of our leaders can't think on their feet. Hopefully we see the beginning of a change soon.
ReplyDeleteIt is very interesting that at the time of the Renaissance, humanism was in contrast with religion! It is a great example of how little religious direction can result in loss of truths, as the fall and sin of man was the focus, which clashed with the rising renassiance belief in the divinity of man and his ability to overcome sin.
ReplyDeletePublic speaking class I would like to say that this blog really convinced me to do it! Thanks, very good post.
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