Thoreau on Eloquence

   
          "We love eloquence for it's own sake, and not for any truth which it may utter, or an heroism it may inspire." I had to read this more than once to get the full understanding of such a phrase. Eloquence can be defined as fluent or persuasive writing or speaking, and by saying that we love it for its own sake is to say that we love eloquence simply because of what it is, and not for its purpose. Eloquence may convert truths or inspire heroism, but we like it simply because of what it is. It is interesting that Thoreau would make such a bold statement when he himself writes with what can be considered eloquence. Perhaps by saying this he is telling his reader that although he writes with eloquence, he wants it to be known that his writing holds some truth, and should not be love solely for its fluency.
            I do believe that his statement is truthful, although not in all circumstances. There are plenty of amazing pieces of literature that are loved because of their eloquence, but their deeper meaning is much less appreciated or even noticed. Reading literature that was written with eloquence can sometimes be "wordy". The reader gets caught up in the writing style and leaves behind the true meaning of the text.
           In school, we read books that are famous for their eloquence, but we often miss their meaning. We eave behind the story because of the way it was written. The truth and purpose hides under fluency. It is a  problem that I have experienced myself. In government eloquence can be a major deciding factor. A man or woman who speaks well may be elected to an important position even though they have nothing to say. On the contrary, a person who has much to say may be ignored because they lack eloquence. Systems fall apart because no one truly understands, and instead they simply move to the one that "sounds nicer". People assume that if someone speaks with eloquence they have much to say, and that their words have meanings. They assume these things but do not actually confirm them. Eloquence quickly becomes a mask that people can hide their ignorance behind, and it is often a mask that many people like and trust. Are those who use eloquence the deceivers, or are people deceiving themselves by ignoring the truth and deeper meaning?

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