Writing
Cicero’s written learning was an essential aspect of his success in his oratory career. By gaining knowledge though his historical studies, Cicero was able to write copious amounts of political and philosophical documents, including ‘The Offices’, ‘The Republic’ and ‘The Laws’ that gave him background knowledge that proved useful in his oratory future, as he was well educated, as shown by Nigel Rodgers, an eminent author with a degree in history stated that, “He was… a fluent writer on subjects from astronomy to philosophy.” (Rodgers, 2012)
Listen to one of Cicero's infamous philosophical writings!
Cicero’s style of writing was particularly urbane, and cultured upper class as revealed in his letters to his friend, Atticus. Using his written abilities, Cicero was able to identify aspects of Greek society that could be integrated into Roman society, and used this to promote ideals for the furthering of the Roman Republic. Jed W Atkins, a Roman history researcher with a PhD in classics stated that, “Through Cicero’s writings, much of Greek culture was transmitted to Western Europe… As his 800 surviving letters reveal… Cicero attempted to apply Greek philosophy’s ethical findings to Roman politics.” (Atkins, 2013)
Cicero’s writing was renowned for its eloquence and well polished style, which had a great impact on future generations of written work, as shown by John Bowman, a renowned author with a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies degree in History, “His polished style of writing Latin greatly influenced later generations.” (Bowman, 2011) However, Cicero owes his title of the ‘greatest of all Roman writers’ (Rodgers, 2012) to his rhetorical abilities that provided a base of interest for people to become involved in his writings.
Take a look at Cicero's written skills, read in the Senate!
Sources
Atkins, J. W., 2013. Cicero on Politics and the Limits of Reason. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.
Bowman, J. L., 2011. Stoicism, Enkrasia and Happiness. United States: Bloomington.
Liberty Fund Incorporated, 2014. Marcus Tullius Cicero. [Online] Available at: http://oll.libertyfund.org/people/marcus-tullius-cicero [Accessed 1 June 2014].
Bowman, J. L., 2011. Stoicism, Enkrasia and Happiness. United States: Bloomington.
Liberty Fund Incorporated, 2014. Marcus Tullius Cicero. [Online] Available at: http://oll.libertyfund.org/people/marcus-tullius-cicero [Accessed 1 June 2014].