A Quote by Richard Whately

Eloquence is relative. One can no more pronounce on the eloquence of any composition than the wholesomeness of a medicine, without knowing for whom it is intended.

Richard Whately

Quote Topics

Any Composition Eloquence Intended Knowing Medicine More Pronounce Relative Than Wholesomeness Whom Without

Quote Author

Richard Whately
English - Writer
February 1, 1787 - October 8, 1863

There is something in the eloquence of the pulpit, when it is really eloquence, which is entitled to the highest praise and honour. The preacher who can touch and affect such an heterogeneous mass of hearers, on subjects limited, and long worn thread-bare in all common hands; who can say any thing new or striking, any thing that rouses the attention, without offending the taste, or wearing out the feelings of his hearers, is a man whom one could not (in his public capacity) honour enough.

Jane Austen

False eloquence is exaggeration; true eloquence is emphasis.

William R. Alger

He was created of a mother whom He created. He was carried by hands that He formed. He cried in the manger in wordless infancy. He, the Word, without whom all human eloquence is mute.

Saint Augustine

Discretion of speech is more than eloquence, and to speak agreeably to him with whom we deal is more than to speak in good words, or in good order.

Francis Bacon

The nature of our constitution makes eloquence more useful and more necessary in this country than in any other in Europe.

Bill Vaughan

True eloquence forgoes eloquence.

Andre Gide

True eloquence scorns eloquence.

Blaise Pascal

The Lord is no respector of persons, and will give success to all who work for it. If l can only impress upon the minds of the youth of Zion the eloquence, the inexpressible eloquence of work, I shall feel fully repaid.

Heber J. Grant

Borrowed eloquence, if it contains as good stuff, is as good as own eloquence

John Adams

Eloquence is a way of saying things in such a way, first, that those to whom we speak may listen to them without pain and with pleasure, and second, that they feel themselves interested, so that self-love leads them more willingly to reflection upon it.

Blaise Pascal

One who has accumulated virtue will certainly also possess eloquence; but he who has eloquence doe not necessarily possess virtue.