‘First learn the meaning of what you say and then speak.’
Epictetus (AD 55 – 135), Greek philosopher and teacher
‘Well begun is half done.’
Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC), Greek philosopher, teacher and scientist
‘Grasp the subject, the words will follow.’
Aristophanes (450 BC – 388 BC), Greek playwright and the ‘Prince of Ancient Comedy’
‘Use soft words and hard arguments.’
Cato the Elder (234 BC – 149 BC), Roman senator and historian
‘Language exerts hidden power, like a moon on the tides.’
Pindar (522 BC – 443BC), Greek lyric poet
So, what can we learn from the ancients? A lot.