This past week, I read an opinion expressed about a speaker’s content at a university’s commencement speech. The writer used the word rhetor. The word rhetor shares the same roots as rhetoric. Rhetoric, as we know, is the art of using language to affect audiences, usually persuasively. Although it is most often used in spoken language, rhetoric can also be written.  

In Ancient Greece, the term rhetor was used to describe professional orators and politicians who actively participated in state and court affairs. 

 Ralph Waldo Emerson, when describing the eloquence of a speaker, said: 

“…an artist, who should play on an assembly of men as a master on the keys of a piano; who, seeing the people furious, shall soften and compose them; should draw them, when he would, to laughter and to tears.” 

Later in the quote, he said: 

“…he will have them pleased and humoured as he chooses; and they shall carry and execute that which he bids them.” 

We can all imagine someone using the art of rhetoric to influence their audience with the intent of personal gain or to advance illegal activities. The increasing frequency of internet scammers is just one example. 

However, the writer of the opinion I read noted that rhetors, at their best, were:

“…invested in the weight and worth of giving ideas their richest expressions towards civic, moral, and just ends.” 

I immediately thought, “that’s us, that’s how Masons should use rhetoric.” 

While we all may not all give historic orations to influence large crowds, we all can strive to use our words in a manner that is consistent with our Masonic profession. In doing so, we preserve the fraternity’s reputation and promote “civic, moral, and just ends.”