Dialogue Concerning Oratory or the Causes of Corrupt Eloquence - Publius Cornelius Tacitus

Karl Marx Works Collection · Jul 22, 2026 · 3h 1m

"Dialogue Concerning Oratory or the Causes of Corrupt Eloquence," commonly known as Dialogus de Oratoribus, is set in the sixth year of Vespasian and explores the decline of oratory skills in Roman society. The work, often attributed to Tacitus, critiques the deterioration of education for future orators, highlighting the impact of family and schooling on eloquence. Its themes of educational decline and the importance of rhetoric remain relevant today, as they echo contemporary concerns about communication skills and the quality of education. This masterpiece offers profound insights into the…