ancient views on talent and geniality

[john m roberts]

Public speaking seems to have been seen as distinct from public "performing," possibly because it was a part of public service but certainly because it was practiced by gentlemen and therefore was respectable by definition. The politician delivering a speech was serving the state, rather than entertaining an audience.During the Republic,rhetoric, which included not just speech but stance, movement and gesture, was a major part of a gentleman's education. One of the worst things about being exiled was that a young man couldn't attend the best rhetoric schools and might have his political career derailed.

That said, rhetoric and acting shared many qualities. Quintus Hortensius Hortalus, the great rival of Cicero, was such an impessive speaker that his intonation, stance, gestures and even his particularly effective way of draping his toga, were all imitated by the tragic actors of his time.

[Epictetus]

Yes, the sophists were even given exemptions from serving as local magistrates, because their public speaking and teaching were considered as a service to the community. We have a number of rather pathetic (to my eyes, anyway) letters from Aelius Aristides, begging to be considered a sophist so he wouldn't have to serve as a magistrate.

[Kegluneq]

Public speaking seems to have been seen as distinct from public "performing," possibly because it was a part of public service but certainly because it was practiced by gentlemen and therefore was respectable by definition. The politician delivering a speech was serving the state, rather than entertaining an audience.

He also wasn't speaking to earn a salary (at least directly). There was a similarly important distinction made between doing something because you could and doing something because you had to, which was why there was no shame in doing farm work if you owned the farm in question. The performing arts were well out, at least if you were a member of the aristocracy.

One of the worst things about being exiled was that a young man couldn't attend the best rhetoric schools and might have his political career derailed.

Didn't do Cicero much harm (in reference to his education with Apollonius Molon of Rhodes).

[john m roberts]

If you could spend your exile in Greece, Ionia or the islands, you had it made. That's where the great rhetoric teachers were. But the young men stuck in Spain with Sextus Pompey were out of luck.