Laconic speech is what? The meaning and origin of the concept

Laconic speech is a summary of thoughts using a small number of words. Today we will talk about the origin of this concept and its significance in antiquity and in the modern world.

What does the expression "laconic speech" mean?

In the modern sense, laconism is a short but competent presentation of thoughts. Let's give some examples.

"In the south of the Peloponnese, not far from Arcadia and Messenia, in Ancient Greece, there was a historical area called Laconia. In its borders was the city of Sparta - a settlement with interesting traditions. The word "Lacedaemon" was used as the official name of the policy.

Such a story can be heard from a verbose person who prefers to use adjectives and introductory words.

And here is an example of laconic speech:

"Lakonia is an area in the south of the Peloponnese in Ancient Greece. In its borders was the policy of Sparta (Lacedaemon). "

Thus, laconic speech is the ability to summarize thoughts, to separate the important from the secondary. Today, laconicism is particularly valued. Laconism is the quality of a successful person.

The etymology of the word "brevity"

The root of the word came from the name of the historical region in ancient Greece - Lakonia. Socrates also noted that the Spartans differed in simplicity of judgments, which surprised the Greeks of other policies.

In ancient Greece, the oratory was especially developed. Rhetoric was considered "the queen of sciences". The Greeks understood the possibilities of beautiful speech and the degree of its impact on all spheres of life. Eloquence distinguished such outstanding Greeks as Hyperid, Isocrates, Aeschines. The most famous orator of Ancient Greece was Demosthenes.

Eloquence and the ability to beautifully express their thoughts were appreciated in all corners of the ancient ecumene. And only in Sparta it was different. Why did it happen? We will discuss this further.

What is "laconic speech" in Ancient Greece?

In the 12th century. BC. E. Ancient Sparta appeared. The first ruler of the policy was Lacedaemon. He managed to subdue the territories in the central part of the Peloponnese. The ruler named his lands Lakonia, and the capital of the state - Sparta, in honor of his wife. In the 10th century. BC. E. These territories were conquered by the Dorians - the ancient Greek tribes.

Ancient Sparta was a typical example of an aristocratic policy. The main occupation of local citizens was the war. The basis of the Spartan army was the Hoplites - the heavily armed infantrymen.

The education of boys in Ancient Sparta was completely subordinated to military needs. It differed severity and orientation to physical development.

Another feature of this society was laconic. In Ancient Sparta, laconic speech is the ability to present thoughts in a concise and accessible manner. This feature of the Spartans is mentioned in the works of many ancient authors. For example, Socrates mentions that Philip II, having entered the lands of Laconia, left a message. It said that the Macedonian king managed to conquer all of Hellas, the strength of his troops and the intention to capture Sparta by force. The answer to this message was laconic: "If."

Laconism in history

Among the world's outstanding politicians, the brightest supporter of laconicism was Winston Churchill, a British statesman.

In his understanding, laconic speech is the way to most accurately convey your thoughts to others. Winston Churchill became famous as a wise politician. In addition, he won the Nobel Prize in Literature. When he was 93 years old, members of a British university were asked to tell the politician about his life to students. Students and teachers expected a long speech, because this person really had something to tell. But Winston Churchill, having risen to the rostrum, uttered only one sentence: "Never, never, never give up" - and hurriedly withdrew from the hall.