Description

In this episode, we continue exploring the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences by turning our attention to Rhetoric—not merely as persuasive speech, but as a subtle force that shapes perception, evokes emotion, and reveals unconscious bias.

Through symbolic reflection and modern examples, we investigate rhetoric as a performative function that coexists with grammar and logic. Whether in lodge, online, or in daily life, rhetoric becomes a way to both influence and uncover the internal frameworks that guide our actions and beliefs.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Rhetoric is always operating. Even silence or images can be persuasive communication.
• Bias filters perception. We often respond only to the language that fits our worldview.
• Emotional framing matters. Much of rhetoric’s power lies in its ability to stir feeling, not just convey logic.

💬 Featured Quotes

“You're always being communicated to in some way or another… Your own biases, for example, [are] screening only the words that you relate to or don't relate to.” — [00:02:31]
“That is all people trying to evoke a certain type of response… a slow boil towards some level of action.”  — [00:03:08]
“Rhetoric… is the ability to convey information in a way that stimulates productive argument.” — [00:00:15]
“There is a sort of rhetorical analysis function… when you're sitting there scrolling through your phone—that’s all rhetoric.” — [00:02:52]

🔗 Explore Related Episodes

🎧 Ep. 53 – Mastery Continued: Agency through Language and Social Skills
Explores vocabulary, framing, and social interaction as key tools in shaping influence and reducing misunderstanding.

🎧 Ep. 35 – Reclaiming Emotional Sovereignty
Focuses on emotional self-awareness and the subtle cues that shape our decisions—closely tied to rhetoric’s emotional layer.

🎧 Ep. 54 – The Trowel: When Is Care Appropriate?
Considers the ethics and timing of expression, asking when persuasive or caring speech is symbolically appropriate.

Creators & Guests

• Brian Mattocks - Host

Click here to view the episode transcript.