The Missing Element
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A post I wrote the other day titled It Came to Pass annoyed goaded prompted my friend and fellow wordsmith Brad Shorr into responding with his own thoughts on the distressing lack of eloquence we see in politics today. (You’ll have to go read it to know what I mean. Don’t worry; I’ll still be here when you get back.)
Now, to be honest, I prefer to keep the Middle Zone out of politics as much as possible. That’s not what the Zone is for. Besides, there’s a veritable plethora of political blogs, newsfeeds, and other information sources out there already if politics is your game.
(In case you’re new here, and wondering just what we are here for, it’s like it says right up there at the top: It’s about lessons learned… from life!)
After all, as the captain of this particular social aircraft, I’d rather steer clear of the ominous-looking dunderheads thunderheads gathering up there on the horizon. Overall, I’d think my passengers would appreciate a relatively smooth journey while here in the Zone, don’t you think?
Having said that, however, I believe that even without dipping our collective and figurative toes into the roiling political whirlpool, we can still find a lesson to be learned. I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least mention it.
Something’s Missing
I love Brad’s definition of eloquence: the ability to make big ideas sound big. And his dismay at the loss of true eloquence in the current political climate is, IMHO, right on the mark.
But I have to wonder, why is it we, the people, no longer cry out for eloquence from our leaders? What caused us to no longer expect the best from those who we choose to lead us? And why do we not expect if of ourselves? What, exactly, is missing?
I’m reminded of a sublimely eloquent illustration Jesus Christ made in the 5th chapter of the Book of Matthew, where he spent several chapters outlining what the Kingdom of God meant:
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its savor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. (The KJV Bible, Matthew 5:13)
Did you know salt can lose its savor - its saltiness? Yep; take a block of salt and leave it out in the weather for a while, and the flavor will leach right out of it. The only thing it’s good for then is, well, killing things. Really. Ancient Romans used to spread old salt on their roads as a very effective way to keep them from getting overgrown with grass and weeds.
Here’s the thing. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out how this metaphor applies to our own lives, does it? I mean, who can’t figure out the salt in this passage is, you know, us?
In fact, I’ll go even farther and say that savor (or flavor, or saltiness) is a metaphor for character (meaning our moral fiber, temperament, personality, disposition, nature, etc.)
Can We Get it Back?
So after a bit of circumlocution (which is a ten-dollar word that means taking the long way around), here’s the point I’m trying to make:
I’m afraid that we, as a people, have lost our savor. Yep; we no longer require, nor even expect, the highest level of character from our leaders anymore. In fact, we don’t even expect it of ourselves, either. Just watch the news any day of the week for proof.
Everywhere you look, the lack of moral (and every other kind of) character is evident the world over. Tyranny, corruption, hatred and downright pettiness; it’s everywhere. But the sad part about it is, quite a few people don’t seem to be bothered in the least. “Oh, it’s to be expected,” they’ll say. “Hey, they all do it; it’s normal.” And they’re right.
And that’s a real shame. Because if we don’t expect the best, then I guarantee we’ll get what we DO expect… every time! No wonder there’s very little evidence of big ideas, stated in a big way, anymore. Very few people even care enough to want them.
So the question is: have you lost your savor? Are you willing to stand up, have an opinion, and be heard? Will you take a stand for what you believe in? Do you expect yourself, and your leaders to represent the best, and not the worst in us?
I will say this. We do exist, and we’re looking.
What’s Your Opinion?
So what do you think about this whole “eloquence” thing? Do you agree it seems to be largely missing from the public arena these days? Or maybe not? Care to add your two cents into the pot and stir things up a bit? C’mon, we’re listening!
(photo: The Storm Cloud, by rachel r)
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24 responses so far
Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
Hi Robert, Wow, I’m glad my post inspired these words of wisdom from you, and your extremely challenging questions. We’ve heard it said in a democracy, you get the leadership you deserve. Do you think that’s true? Politically, we seem to be trapped in a vicious circle of myopic special interest advocacy, however it started. To answer your questions, I could definitely do a better job of standing up for what I believe. I was reluctant to publish my post because of its political overtones (my main purpose was an attempt to put a definition on eloquence for whatever writing purpose). But I think it was G.K. Chesterton who said there are only two topics worth discussing - politics and religion, saying something along the lines that our political beliefs determine our existence as a community and our religious beliefs determine our existence as individuals. So I think I should inject more political and religious ideas into my posts, even though for a business blog this may be risky. Would I be crazy to do it? (Look who I’m asking
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Brad Shorrs last blog post..Age of Conversation ‘08 Final List of Authors
I read through Brad’s post and have to say, I disagree. Sure, some of the stump speeches of Senator Obama don’t reach the highest heights, but in his more important and weighty speeches he’s been a breath of eloquent fresh air.
Even some years ago, when he spoke at the Democratic National Convention, it was clear that he stands out as a different class of orator in American politics. And his two volumes of autobiography are beautifully written.
A couple of examples, the first from the convention speech, and the second from a speech in March of this year:
“In the end, that’s what this election is about. Do we participate in a politics of cynicism, or do we participate in a politics of hope? Hope in the face of difficulty, hope in the face of uncertainty, the audacity of hope: In the end, that is God’s greatest gift to us, the bedrock of this nation, a belief in things not seen, a belief that there are better days ahead.”
“This time we want to talk about the men and women of every color and creed who serve together, and fight together, and bleed together under the same proud flag. We want to talk about how to bring them home from a war that never should have been authorized and never should have been waged, and we want to talk about how we’ll show our patriotism by caring for them, and their families, and giving them the benefits they have earned.”
Sorry Brad, and Robert I guess — I think he’s eloquent.
Jacob Angels last blog post..Life Outside of Work
@Brad - Well, you’re the one who’s always sayin’ that successful business relationships depend on the level of trust the two (or however many) sides have for each other. (Or was that Tiny Tim who said that? I forget.)
If you want folks to get to know you better, then politics and religion are two subjects where there’s LOTS of opinions. (Unfortunately, you get a lot of close-minded fanaticism, too, but hey, in this case you’ll have to take the good with the bad.) I suspect that vicious cycle you mentioned is because the level-headed have stepped back in disgust - and guess who’s left to run things?
Hey, you don’t have to whack people over the head with your beliefs, either. Respect can go a long way to diffusing the hot-headedness you’ll inevitably run across. (You know; the “soft answer” thing.) Here’s where the “light on a hill” image makes sense. People will be able to see where you are and what you stand for.
And yes, I think we DO get the leadership we deserve. Lots of historical precedent for that, too, even as far back as the Israelites and King Saul. And I think it’s even more true today (if that were possible). When a people choose a weak leader, well, they get weak leadership; likewise choosing a strong leader gets them strong leadership.
@Jacob - One of the things that constantly amazes me is how different people can hear totally different things from the same speech. I mean, I realize we tend to interpret things in the light of our own “context”, but still, it makes discussions interesting, don’t you think?
You know, I’ve been hearing about Senator Obama’s eloquence ever since he started running, but only recently have actually heard parts of some of his speeches. I have to agree with Brad here, Jacob; compared to the really great political orators of the past, he can’t hold a candle. But again, that’s how I see it. Obviously you hold a different view - and I’m OK with that.
But I don’t hear anything new in that speech you quoted either. It’s pretty much the exact same thing all politicians start their campaigns with, isn’t it? But in the end, it’s not what people say, no matter how eloquently they say it - it’s what they do. And I’m afraid there’s evidence already to show that those were just grand-sounding words.
Ah, well doing … that’s a different issue, obviously. My hope and suspicion is that he will be a very good President, but it’s obviously not a sure thing at all.
His track record is simply not as long as that of his opponent, for better or for worse.
Jacob Angels last blog post..Life Outside of Work
Robert, thanks for the coaching. It all makes sense. Jacob, I agree with Robert that we can listen to the same thing and hear something different. I want to believe you, and sincerely hope you are right, because Mr. Obama will very likely be our next president. Still, I am having a hard time squaring his lofty rhetoric about hope and unity with his tendency to characterize people and institutions as victims or victimizers. Time will tell, I suppose.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Age of Conversation ‘08 Final List of Authors
@Jacob - As always, it’s up to us to prove the validity of our own words. Short record or long; the proof is in the pudding. I think my point - and Brad’s - was we would like to see the proof in our politicians once again. And in our lifetime!
@Brad - Yeah, I’m seein’ the same thing, I’m afraid. Actually, I think this is one of the positive outcomes of so much political blogging, though - the sure knowledge that everything being said is being scrutinized and vetted against reality. Although there’s still plenty of noise (money, after all, can make a lot of it), ultimately we all benefit from it.
Robert,
regarding eloquence in politics: I don’t know why, but the word “eloquence” doesn’t sound too good to me. In German we have the word “eloquent” and it describes someone who says something with a lot of words, mostly with too many words. German politicians tend to do that - describing simple things with a lot of words, so many words that in the end nobody knows what they intended to say. I think the missing element is truth - telling the truth in simple words. That doesn’t mean that I’d prefer a simplifying way of talking or simple solutions (most solutions are not simple). Just my two cents,
Ulla
Ullas last blog post..Bavaria Series #8 Bavarian Inns
You make a very good point, Ulla. When we look up the definitions of “eloquence”, we find things relating to “powerful, moving words”, “clear, powerful language”, and the like. But there’s nothing inherently truthful about eloquence.
I’m afraid the tendency you describe isn’t limited to German politicians, though. Perhaps that’s why so many of us are, shall we say, “less than impressed” with eloquence these days.
After all, just because someone speaks eloquently (or doesn’t, for that matter) doesn’t make them worthy of our praise. It’s the truth of their words that is ultimately being judged.
Good thinking, Ulla! Glad you brought that out.
I love to hear an eloquent speaker but often find that the words and the actions of the eloquent politician don’t match. I’d much rather see a politican DO something besides give eloquent speeches. Or maybe … as I believe it was Mark Twain who said … we’re better off when they’re not doing anything. At least they’re not increasing our taxes or finding more victims to give our money to or moving the country further into socialism.
Truth and sincerity count for a lot more with me than eloquence. Ideally we’d get the whole package, but nothing in politics is ideal.
Bingo, Lillie! And now we’re back to my original point: that we no longer even expect such things from our leaders. If we, the people, demand it, will we get it? Can our faith in the political system ever be restored? The cynic hidden within me says no, although the hopeful part of me believes it’s still possible. But only time will tell…
Funny thing is, I don’t really blame the politicians for the lack of eloquence. I’d say we voters carry the brunt of the blame. We have shown over and over that we respond to negative campaigns and outrageous radio personalities. So that’s what we’ve been getting.
I have many of the same worries about political discourse as you do Robert and Brad. And Jacob, I agree that Obama seems to elevate the discourse sometimes. His race speech was very moving.
Last summer I talked with the religious advisor to the Hilary Clinton campaign about how we might get bloggers from different parties and candidates together to model civil conversation. Didn’t work. Everyone was too scared to say anything at all–and the whole idea died after a series of pretty uncomfortable phone conversations. Oh well. I guess I’ll just go cast a vote and trust the wisdom of crowds.
Mark Goodyears last blog post..My Blog Was Lost But Now It’s Found!
There’s a great deal of truth in what you say, Marcus - we’re the ones dropping the ball. Just look at the declining number of voters and you’ll get a feel for how little people care anymore. Despite the seemingly large number of newly-registered voters each party says they’re signing up, on election day, less than half of all voters ever bother to turn out!
Yes, WE are to blame for that. Unfortunately it’s turning into a vicious circle thing, too; feeding on itself.
Be careful about trusting the wisdom of crowds when it comes to elections. James Surowiecki pointed out several instances where it doesn’t exactly work. Remember that one of the necessary criteria is independent thought; something sadly missing today in many folks.
Sometimes the crowd does stupid things, too.
What a brave man you are—Mr. MZM jumping right into the political deep end.
I like your reference to salt as a character issue—for the bottom line is “Can a man walk the talk”?
The problem is when a man walks his talk—-it often takes him through the valley of poor public opinion.
Good leaders don’t take a poll, and change something simply because the going gets tough. –or Change simply to Change—
Have I used enough metaphors to get my point across?
Jesus’ own walk took him where no man had ever gone before—ultimately dieing for you and me.
Best use of the topic of salt that I have read in a long time Robert
I might not comment all the time—-but I read your blog daily–keep up the saltiness
Howdy, Mike; long time no see, Bud!
Brave? You can’t tell, but I’m blogging this from my air-raid shelter. I figured this one might generate an interesting conversation, and I don’t think anyone will be disappointed.
That’s a good observation about whether or not a leader believes in what he says or not. The level of commitment they’re willing to make - in the light of criticism, or worse - is a telling indication. It’s something we forget too often in this day of self-indulgence.
Once again, does a leader - or anyone for that matter - do what they say they’re going to do? That’s the
litmusacid test.Hey, I appreciate the kind words, Mike. Thanks for weighing in!
Robert,
Congratulations on generally staying away from politics on your blog.
Whilst politics can be somewhat interesting on occasions, it seems to be all the media talks about, and so I generally shy away from it. It’s refreshing to read blogs which discuss subjects other than politics.
As voters, we have little prospect of demanding eloquence in our leaders. However, where we can really make a difference, is in strengthening our own character so that we can be an example to others.
Cheers
Andrew
Andrews last blog post..Labor Sweatshops: Can Nike be Trusted?
Thanks, Andrew.
I’m with you when you say we have little hope of seeing our politicians suddenly start to “do the right thing”. And yes, we DO need to set the example. Jesus’ admonition to be the salt of the Earth is proof of that.
Bob,
I’d settle for truth in simple speech like that of President Harry Truman and his “the buck stops here” plaque.
I like this anecdote:
Shortly after taking the oath of office, Truman said to reporters:
“Boys, if you ever pray, pray for me now. I don’t know if you fellas ever had a load of hay fall on you, but when they told me what happened yesterday, I felt like the moon, the stars, and all the planets had fallen on me.”
-Sam
Sams last blog post..Darryl writes - and he’s a father!
I’m with ya, Sam - “keep it simple, and tell it like it is” is a good way to go in my opinion. And while you’re at it, make it the truth!
That’s one thing Jesus was good at - saying volumes in so few words. Wish I could be so good with ‘em!
[...] in a dramatic flip-flop from my post the other day (you know, the one where I said I usually avoided politics?), I’ve decided to throw my hat [...]
I loved the original post Robert and you and Brad have continued this conversation quite nicely. I read and nodded because we the people have allowed ourselves to become complacent. A recent post about the teen pregnancy pact had readers attacking the pregnant teens and calling them names. My heart broke as I wondered why don’t they feel responsible that we adults have not wrapped our arms around our children and guided them to better life decisions. All one has to to do is turn on the TV to see how we have lapsed into acceptance of the status quo. I usually avoid public discussions of politics or hot button issues too but there are times when we must stand up and make our voices heard. Thanks to you and Brad for this welcomed discussion.
You’re welcome, Karen. Far be it from me to tell anyone how to believe - but I don’t mind telling folks they’d better believe in something! History is replete with the bones of nations who collapsed from within because of that malady!
[...] A deep conversation about inspiring words and eloquence, started by Robert Hruzek, goes on! [...]