Rob Goodman, political scientist and author, discusses ancient Romans, current politics, risk, and rhetoric with Caleb Ontiveros. Delve into the responsibilities of the audience, politics as spectators, and why Rome is so significant. Explore the enduring appeal of stoicism in uncertain times and how it empowers individuals to navigate turmoil with resilience.
Stoicism emphasizes control and resilience amid uncertainty in personal and societal challenges.
Cicero stresses the importance of rhetoric in engaging audiences, taking risks, and promoting democratic dialogue.
Deep dives
Stoicism in Times of Uncertainty
Stoicism has appealed to historical figures like Cicero and Cato, as well as numerous individuals throughout various periods due to its core principle of responding to uncertainty. The philosophy provides a refuge when facing insecurity in aspects such as happiness, health, safety, and success. Stoicism emphasizes that even in turbulent times, there is a part of ourselves that remains under our control, offering fortitude and resilience.
Biographies of Cicero and Cato
Cicero, a prominent orator and politician, faces political breakdown and constitutional crisis in the late Roman Republic, actively engaging in public speeches while contemplating the theory of eloquence and its role during political turmoil. In contrast, Cato the Younger, descended from a renowned family, upholds inflexible moral principles and resists compromising his beliefs, leading to his iconic stand against Julius Caesar and his eventual self-sacrifice.
Rhetoric and Public Engagement
Cicero's approach to rhetoric emphasizes enduring risk and facing public vulnerability, integrating drama and gestures into his speeches to convey courage and authenticity. While rhetoric can be perceived as manipulative, he underscores its role in collective judgment and perceiving the available means of persuasion. Cicero advocates for rhetoric that fosters dialogue, mutual risk-taking, and engages the audience in democratic decision-making.
Relevance of Rome and Stoicism Today
Drawing parallels between the Roman Republic and modern political landscapes, the lessons from Rome's constitutional crises and power dynamics serve as cautionary tales for democratic societies. Stoicism's appeal during uncertainty resonates across time, offering individuals a means to navigate life's challenges and fortify themselves against insecurity. Stoicism's principles of control and resilience retain relevance in contemporary contexts marked by uncertainty and unpredictability.
This conversation will help you think more deeply about the nature of rhetoric.
Caleb Ontiveros speaks with the political scientist Rob Goodman. You may recognize his name from the book Rome’s Last Citizen, which he wrote with past Stoa Conversations guest, Jimmy Soni. He's also the author of Words on Fire: Eloquence and Its Conditions.
We discuss ancient Romans, current politics, risk, and rhetoric.
(02:03) Introduction
(03:56) Who was Cicero?
(07:00) Cicero & Cato the Younger
(19:53) Rhetoric
(29:50) Responsibilities of the Audience
(32:57) Politics as Spectators
(36:43) Politics as Conflict
(39:13) Why Rome?
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