Page 11 - Integrity Seminars - Special Report

That book contains multiple examples of closely The astonishing powers of eloquence are well
reasoned moral argumentation grounded on known, at least to those who are conversant in
universalist religious and republican principles ancient history. Like a resistless torrent, it bears
(see the previously cited "Dialogue between a down every obstacle, and turns even the current
master and his slave"). Equally important, the of opposing ignorance and prejudice into the
young Frederick Douglass (like a young desired channel of activity and zealous
Abraham Lincoln) would have seen the
compliance. It is indisputably the most potent
following language in the Orator highlighting a
art within the compass of human acquirement.
connection between reason, speech, and
An Alexander and Caesar could conquer a world:
eloquence:
but to overcome the passions, to subdue the
wills, and to command at pleasure the
Speech and reason are the characteristics, the inclinations of men, can be effected only by the
glory, and happiness of man. These are the all-powerful charms of enrapturing eloquence [p.
pillars which support the fabric of eloquence; the 28].
foundation, upon which is erected the most
A reference in the Orator "to those who are
magnificent edifice, that genius could design, or
conversant in ancient history" highlights the role
art construct. To cultivate eloquence, then, is to
of historical knowledge—including historical
improve the noblest faculties of our nature, the
depictions in religious literature-- in
richest talents with which we are entrusted. A
contributing to eloquence. So, in his The
more convincing proof of the dignity and
Composite Nation speech, Douglass sought to
importance of our subject, need not, cannot be
persuade his audience by providing an
advanced [p. 27]
anthropological overview of human intolerance:

Reason, however, could be effectively combined Repugnance to the presence and influence of
with emotion ("passions") to produce persuasion: foreigners is an ancient feeling among men. It is
peculiar to no particular race or nation. It is met

with not only in the conduct of one nation toward
The orator does not succeed, as some would
another, but in the conduct of the inhabitants of
insinuate, by dazzling the eye of reason with the
different parts of the same country, some times
elusive glare of his rhetorical art, nor, by
of the same city, and even of the same village.
silencing her still small voice in the thunder of his
“Lands intersected by a narrow frith, abhor each
declamation; for to her impartial tribunal he
other. Mountains interposed, make enemies of
refers the truth and propriety of whatever he
nation.” [William Cowper - 1731-1800]. To the
asserts or proposes. After fairly convincing the
Hindoo, every man not twice born, is Mleeka. To
understanding, he may, without the imputation
the Greek, every man not speaking Greek, is a
of disingenuousness, proceed to address the
barbarian. To the Jew, every one not
fancy and the passions. In this way he will more
circumcised, is a gentile. To the Mahometan,
effectually transfuse into his hearers, his own
every man not believing in the prophet, is a kaffe.
sentiments, and make every spring in the human
I need not repeat here the multitude of
machine co-operate in the production of the
reproachful epithets expressive of the same
desired effect [p.28]
sentiment among ourselves. All who are not to
In the same reading Douglass would have seen a the manor born, have been made to feel the lash
statement about the social power eloquence and sting of these reproachful names.
could provide:

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