Cicero on How to Tell a Joke

Apr 11, 2021

Cicero, the renowned Ancient Roman statesman and orator, shares his timeless wisdom on humor from his work, 'How to Tell a Joke.' He discusses the vital role of humor in public speaking and its power to engage audiences. Listeners will discover the nuances of various humor types, from clever banter to quick comebacks, as Cicero reflects on historical figures known for their comedic skills. The conversation emphasizes how laughter can enrich serious discussions, bridging gaps in social and political dialogues.

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ADVICE

Humor in Oratory

Use humor to win arguments and connect with your audience.
Cicero and other ancient orators saw humor as a powerful tool.

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ANECDOTE

Cicero's Wit

Cicero's quote, "No man dances when he is sober unless he is a lunatic," remains funny today.
Even Stoics like Chrysippus valued humor, reportedly dying from laughter.

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ANECDOTE

Caesar's Brother's Retort

Caesar's brother, mocked by Philip, cleverly retorted, "I see a thief."
This showcases a quick, effective use of humor as a comeback.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Exploring the Art of Humor in Oratory

04:45 • 5min

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The Art of Humorous Banter in Ancient Dialogue

09:53 • 4min

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The Power of Wit in Public Rhetoric

13:43 • 3min

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Engagement and Exploration in Podcasting

16:41 • 3min

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How to Be a Bad Emperor

This book provides a lively translation of Cicero's and Quintilian's writings on humor, offering insights into the strategic use of jokes in politics and law. It explores how humor can be both powerful and risky, and how it can be used to win over audiences. The book includes examples and analyses of different types of jokes, making it a valuable resource for those interested in humor and public speaking.

How to Be Free

Epictetus

Anthony Long

This book presents Epictetus's teachings on Stoicism, emphasizing that true freedom is a psychological and ethical achievement. It includes translations of the *Encheiridion* and selections from the *Discourses*, along with a glossary and introduction to Stoic philosophy. The book guides readers in managing emotions and handling life's challenges by focusing on what they can control.

How Not to Die

Michael Greger

Gene Stone

In *How Not to Die*, Dr. Michael Greger examines the top 15 causes of premature death in America, including heart disease, various cancers, diabetes, Parkinson's, and high blood pressure. He explains how nutritional and lifestyle interventions can often be more effective than pharmaceutical and surgical approaches in preventing and reversing these diseases. The book includes Dr. Greger's Daily Dozen, a checklist of foods to consume daily for maximum health benefits, and is backed by extensive scientific research and evidence.

How to be a leader

Donald R. Fessler

History of the Peloponnesian War

Thucydides

Written by Thucydides, this work is a detailed and insightful historical account of the Peloponnesian War. It chronicles the conflict between the Peloponnesian League, led by Sparta, and the Athenian Empire, emphasizing the significant impact of this war on Greek society. Thucydides outlines the historical context leading up to the war, tracing the evolution of Greek society and detailing the tensions and incidents that led to the conflict. The narrative examines key events, alliances, and the complex interplay of human ambition and political motivations during the war.

Lives of the Stoics

The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius

Ryan Holiday

Stephen Hanselman

This book presents the fascinating lives of twenty-six ancient Stoics, from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius, organized in digestible mini-biographies. It vividly brings to life the stories of key Stoic philosophers, such as Seneca, Epictetus, and Cicero, and demonstrates how their philosophies shaped their actions and legacies. The authors intertwine historical context with philosophical insights, making the book both educational and entertaining. It shows how Stoic principles can be applied to modern life, emphasizing virtues like Courage, Justice, Temperance, and Wisdom.

Today’s episode features a section from Michael Fontaine’s How to Tell a Joke: An Ancient Guide to the Art of Humor published by Princeton University Press and HighBridge audio, a division of Recorded Books. How to Tell a Joke is a modern translation and collection of Cicero and Quintilian’s timeless advice about how to use humor to win over any audience.

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