Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great, Volume 7 / Little Journeys to the Homes of Eminent Orators

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23761

Title

Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great, Volume 7 / Little Journeys to the Homes of Eminent Orators

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Elbert Hubbard's 'Little Journeys' Volume 7 offers intimate biographical sketches of eminent orators, including Pericles, Marat, and Wendell Phillips. With a reflective, didactic tone, the text explores the lives, struggles, and enduring legacies of these historical figures, emphasizing liberty, truth, and the power of eloquence.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Little Journeys to the Homes of Eminent Orators*, Elbert Hubbard presents a collection of biographical essays celebrating the transformative power of speech and the character of those who wield it. The volume argues that true greatness is not merely rhetorical skill, but the ability to inspire others, defend constitutional rights, and pursue truth regardless of personal cost. The narrative begins with Pericles, the 'First Citizen of Athens,' whose leadership fostered an age of unparalleled artistic and intellectual achievement. Hubbard details how Pericles balanced political power with a passion for beauty, inspiring the construction of the Parthenon while maintaining domestic peace. Through Pericles, Hubbard illustrates that the creative genius is the highest gift to man, capable of infusing a whole city with a passion for creation and beauty. The text then shifts to Jean Paul Marat, a small but fiery figure who evolved from a Swiss servant to a radical physician and revolutionary. Hubbard traces Marat's journey from persecution in Edinburgh to his fiery advocacy for liberty in London and Paris. Despite his controversial methods and eventual martyrdom, Marat is portrayed as a man of absolute honesty and dedication to the oppressed, driven by a belief that the world is his country and doing good is his religion. The volume also features Wendell Phillips, an American abolitionist whose calm courage and daily practice made him a master orator. Hubbard recounts a personal memory of hearing Phillips speak, noting his ability to connect deeply with audiences without relying on rhetorical flourishes. Phillips' style was defined by clear thinking, gentleness, and a quiet joy that moved listeners to tears rather than mere applause. Through these portraits, Hubbard argues that the orator's role is to challenge tyranny and advance human freedom. Whether it is Pericles building a state through ability, Marat fighting for the individual against superstition, or Phillips defending the freedom of the press, the book serves as both a historical record and a moral lesson. It celebrates the voices that shaped history, reminding readers that the greatest orators are those who remain true to their principles even when the tide turns against them.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• Orators