Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric by Ward Farnsworth Summary
Overview of Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric
Master the lost art of persuasion with Farnsworth's rhetorical treasure - containing 1,000+ examples from Lincoln to Churchill. Bryan Garner calls it "brilliant," while critics note how these classical techniques could revitalize our deteriorating political discourse. What power awaits in these forgotten patterns?
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Key takeaways
The Art of Persuasion Through Words
Words have power. But when arranged with deliberate skill, they transcend mere communication to become instruments of persuasion that can change hearts, minds, and history itself. Classical rhetoric-the ancient art of effective speaking and writing-isn't some dusty academic relic. It's the hidden architecture behind history's most memorable utterances, from Churchill's wartime speeches to Shakespeare's immortal lines, from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address to Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream. These masters weren't accidentally eloquent-they were applying techniques first identified in ancient Greece and Rome that continue to shape our most powerful language today. While formal rhetoric has largely disappeared from modern education, its patterns remain embedded in our cultural DNA. Barack Obama's speechwriters studied these techniques. So did Steve Jobs when crafting his legendary product launches. Even Taylor Swift's most memorable lyrics often employ classical devices like anaphora and chiasmus. In a world drowning in communication yet starving for persuasion, understanding these patterns isn't just intellectually fascinating-it's practically essential for anyone who wants their words to matter.
The Power of Strategic Repetition
The Architecture of Emphasis and Persuasive Patterns
The Art of Rhetorical Surprise
Controlling Rhetorical Flow and Rhythm
The Eloquence of Omission
Words That Change the World
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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