The Cogitating Ceviche
Presents
Quintilian: The Rhetorician Who Used Wit to Reform Rome
Honoring the Satirists and Thinkers Who Altered Our Perspectives #41
By Conrad Hannon
Narration by Amazon Polly
Preface
Among the towering figures of ancient Rome, Quintilian stands out not only as a master of rhetoric but also as a subtle satirist whose critiques of society and education have endured through the ages. Best known for his Institutio Oratoria, a comprehensive twelve-volume work on the art of oratory, Quintilian's contributions extend far beyond rhetoric. His writings offer incisive critiques of his time's social and moral failings, delivered with wit, irony, and an unwavering commitment to the ideal of the "good man speaking well." This installment celebrates Quintilian's overlooked role as a satirist who, with subtlety and elegance, exposed the flaws of his society and continues to provoke thought and inspire dialogue in the present day.
Quintilian: The Satirist Hidden in the Orator’s Robe
Quintilian, or Marcus Fabius Quintilianus, was a celebrated Roman rhetorician whose influence on education, rhetoric, and ethical discourse remains profound. Born around 35 AD in Calagurris, Spain, Quintilian moved to Rome, where he would become the leading educator of his day. His work, Institutio Oratoria, remains the most comprehensive ancient text on rhetoric and education, but within its pages, Quintilian's role as a social critic and satirist emerges—a figure keenly aware of the flaws and pretensions of Roman society.
While Quintilian is not typically categorized alongside the most prominent Roman satirists like Juvenal or Horace, his works contain a subtle yet pervasive critique of his times. His satire is not the biting, direct lampoon found in other satirical forms but rather a sophisticated, ironic commentary embedded within a broader educational treatise. In this understated critique, his satirical prowess becomes apparent, revealing a deep dissatisfaction with his day's moral, educational, and social dynamics.
Satire of Education: Exposing the Failings of the Roman Pedagogical System
One of Quintilian’s primary concerns was the state of Roman education. In his time, the Roman educational system was increasingly becoming mechanistic, focused on rote learning, memorization, and the imitation of established orators, often to the detriment of true understanding and critical thinking. Quintilian uses his treatise to subtly critique these practices, advocating for a more holistic and morally sound approach to education.
Quintilian's satire of education is evident in his critiques of the so-called "teachers" of rhetoric, who he often described as incompetent and more interested in showmanship than nurturing genuine talent. He lamented the rise of "second-rate teachers" who prioritized flashy oratorical tricks over substantive content, criticizing their reliance on gimmicks, excessive ornamentation, and empty eloquence. These teachers, he argued, did little more than distort the minds of their students, turning them into mere performers rather than thoughtful orators.
He cleverly mocks these practices by describing them exaggeratedly, using irony to suggest that such teachers were more akin to circus performers than true educators. Through his critiques, Quintilian positions himself as an advocate for a return to genuine learning—where rhetoric serves not only as a tool for persuasion but also as a means of developing character, judgment, and moral integrity. His satire is a call to reform education, prioritizing depth and wisdom over superficial performance.
Critique of Moral Decay: The Orator as a “Good Man” in a Flawed Society
Quintilian's insistence on the orator as a "vir bonus dicendi peritus"—a "good man skilled in speaking"—is both a pedagogical philosophy and a satirical critique of Roman society. Quintilian implicitly critiques the Roman elite's corruption, decadence, and moral laxity in emphasizing that true oratory requires moral virtue.
By placing such a strong emphasis on the ethical character of the orator, Quintilian calls attention to the moral failings of his contemporaries. His satire emerges from the contrast between the ideal orator he describes—a man of integrity, wisdom, and virtue—and the reality of Roman public life, where eloquence was often wielded by those more concerned with personal gain than the public good. Quintilian’s portrayal of the ideal orator thus serves as a satirical mirror, reflecting the ethical shortcomings of the society around him.
Moreover, Quintilian’s criticism extends to the political landscape of his time. The Roman courts and public assemblies were rife with corruption, and rhetorical skills were frequently abused by those in power to manipulate public opinion, secure unjust verdicts, and maintain their status. Quintilian, by emphasizing the moral responsibilities of the orator, indirectly critiques this culture of deception and moral ambiguity. His satire is subtle, rooted in the notion that true eloquence must be aligned with virtue, challenging a society where rhetoric often served less noble ends.
Satire of Social Pretensions and Hypocrisies
Quintilian’s work is also laced with critiques of the social pretensions and hypocrisies of the Roman elite. He derides the obsession with status, the superficiality of public behavior, and the lack of genuine intellectual engagement among his contemporaries. While much of his critique is framed within the context of rhetorical education, it reveals a broader disdain for the hollow values that characterized much of Roman high society.
For instance, Quintilian frequently lampoons the pretentiousness of those who use overly ornate or complex language to appear more learned or sophisticated than they truly are. He refers to them as "pseudo-learned" individuals, mocking their penchant for verbosity and convoluted arguments that do little to advance understanding or truth. This critique extends beyond mere style; it is a condemnation of a culture that values appearances over substance, where eloquence is prized not for its capacity to convey truth but for its ability to impress or deceive.
Quintilian’s satire often takes the form of paradox or irony. He praises certain rhetorical practices only to undercut them by exposing their inherent absurdities. For example, he wryly comments on those who, in their eagerness to appear learned, resort to obscure references and convoluted expressions that render their speech unintelligible. By highlighting such absurdities, Quintilian critiques the social values that reward ostentation over clarity and pretense over sincerity.
A Satirical Take on the Roman Obsession with Novelty
Quintilian’s satire also targets the Roman obsession with novelty and fashion, particularly in the arts and public discourse. He critiques those who, driven by a desire to be seen as innovative or avant-garde, discard the tried and true principles of classical rhetoric in favor of newer, more fashionable styles. Quintilian laments this trend, arguing that it often leads to the abandonment of substance in favor of style.
He mockingly describes certain orators as "rhetorical peacocks" who become unintelligible or ridiculous in their efforts to appear original. By doing so, he highlights the foolishness of valuing novelty over wisdom and clarity and chasing trends at the expense of genuine learning. This critique also extends to those who blindly follow such trends without critical examination, suggesting their intellectual laziness is as much to blame as the orators themselves.
The Satire of Excess: Quintilian’s Critique of Rhetorical Extremes
Quintilian’s critique of excess in rhetoric reflects a broader disdain for the excesses of Roman society. He argues that rhetoric, like life, should adhere to principles of moderation and balance. He is critical of orators who indulge in excessive emotional appeals, overly dramatic gestures, or florid language designed to dazzle rather than to persuade.
He describes these excesses with a satirical edge, suggesting that such orators resemble actors on a stage more than serious speakers. His comparison of flamboyant orators to performers critiques not only individual speakers but also the culture that encourages such performances. Through this satire, Quintilian advocates for a more restrained, principled approach to rhetoric that values reason and clarity over spectacle and bombast.
Influence and Legacy: The Subtle Satire That Endures
While Quintilian may not be as well-known for his satire as other Roman writers, his subtle critiques have had a lasting impact. His emphasis on ethical oratory has influenced countless generations of thinkers, from the Church Fathers in late antiquity to Renaissance humanists and Enlightenment philosophers. His insistence on aligning rhetoric with moral virtue continues to shape debates about the ethical responsibilities of public discourse.
Moreover, Quintilian’s critiques of education, social pretension, and rhetorical excess remain remarkably relevant today. In an era where public communication is often dominated by superficial sound bites, sensationalism, and the manipulation of truth, Quintilian’s call for clarity, integrity, and ethical responsibility in rhetoric serves as a powerful reminder of the ideals to which society should aspire.
Quintilian’s work encourages a deeper engagement with the principles of communication, one that goes beyond mere technique to consider the broader social, moral, and intellectual contexts in which rhetoric is practiced. In doing so, his satire challenges both past and present audiences to reflect on the values they uphold and the means by which they convey those values to others.
Relevance Today: A Satirist for Our Times
In today’s world, Quintilian’s satirical critiques resonate with contemporary concerns. His disdain for superficiality and his advocacy for substance over style find echoes in debates about modern education, media, and public discourse. The challenges he posed to his own society—about the misuse of language, the erosion of moral values, and the dangers of rhetorical excess—are still alive in discussions about fake news, media sensationalism, and the ethical responsibilities of public figures.
His critique of the educational system, with its call for a more humane, holistic approach, also speaks to ongoing discussions about the purpose and nature of education in an increasingly technological and results-driven world. Quintilian’s insistence that education should develop the whole person, not just impart knowledge, is a timeless message that continues to inspire reformers and educators today.
In a broader sense, Quintilian’s work reminds modern readers of the enduring power of rhetoric to shape society, for good or ill. His satire, though understated, remains a potent tool for critiquing the excesses and shortcomings of any era. In celebrating his contributions, it is possible to see how even subtle satire can provoke thought, inspire change, and ultimately alter perspectives in ways that resonate across the centuries.
Conclusion
Quintilian’s legacy as a subtle satirist is often overlooked, yet his critiques of Roman society, education, and rhetoric are as relevant now as they were two thousand years ago. His emphasis on the moral responsibilities of the orator, his disdain for superficiality and excess, and his advocacy for a more principled and thoughtful approach to education and public discourse continue to challenge and inspire.
Through his unique blend of rhetorical instruction and social critique, Quintilian offers a powerful reminder of language, ethics, and education's role in shaping a just and humane society. His work remains a testament to the enduring power of satire, not just to entertain but to provoke reflection, foster dialogue, and inspire a more thoughtful, engaged, and ethical public sphere.
Thank you for your time today. Until next time, stay gruntled.
