The ancient Athenians have always been known for their sharp wit and sophistication of mind; many philosophers, scientists, and politicians, whose ideas have been influential till this day, came from the small polis located at the southern end of the Aegean Sea.
 
Amongst many ancient Athens, the elite class, or the aristocrats, often gather together to hear their peers perform oral declamations. However, what’s particularly peculiar about these public speaking gatherings is the fact that their discussions do not serve any legal or political purposes--- they do not intend to convict a defendant nor to persuade the crowd for ballots. Rather, these speeches are delivered solely for soliciting the pleasure of exercising rhetoric. In other words, ancient Athens conducted speeches and debates because they are a form of entertainment and enrichment for them. Under this kind of atmosphere, ancient Athens developed outstanding oratory skills and critical thinking; as well as a great deal of accumulated knowledge in regards to science, culture, and literature. The Athens were known for advocating a liberal arts education, which is why they possess such a wide range of knowledge. People during this time are referred to the “First Sophists”.
 
The term “sophist” initially entailed a positive connotation, which describes orators known for their eloquence. However, to sway people effectively acquires not only eloquence, but also a wide range of knowledge and experiences.
 
The very first sophists developed various rhetorical techniques and concepts from their own experience that are still being utilized today. The appeals that captivate people in the speeches can be roughly divided into 3 categories: pathos, logos, or ethos. Pathos refers to the appeal to emotions, to empathy and common experiences. On the other hand, logos refers to the solid, meticulous logic behind the arguments. Lastly, ethos refers to the establishment of credibility amongst the audience through various methods. These major categories were first developed by the prominent philosopher known by the name: Aristotle. They establish an extensive sense of trustworthiness from the speaker to the audience, which effectively conveys perspectives and emotions to the people.
 
These were the merits of the “First Sophists”. They created an everlasting legacy. However, everything tends to split into extremes pass a certain point of development. Under the influence of such traditions emerged a group of people named the sophists. Some people “evolved” into this kind of sophist, with sharp wit and a critical eye intended for exploration of truth. However, what accompanies the prosperity of the oral traditions and rhetoric expressions in ancient Greece is the deterioration of standards. Other people degraded into an orator with clever yet fallacious arguments, or became a superficial figure who is immersed in vanity, endeavouring on physical appearances rather than polishing arguments and reasoning. These orators are subsequently known as the “Second Sophistic”. In both cases, although still retaining their persuasive capabilities, the orators lost track of the essence of such practices, which are the search for truth and the act of inspiring others.
 
The infamous satirist Lucian even once wrote a piece named: “Teacher of Rhetoric” to make a mockery of such phenomenon. He described a sophist who won the hearts of people through flattery and grandiloquent appearances rather than solid logic and arguments. This is the point where the term “sophist” solicited a negative connotation, from entailing a sophisticated mind to describing a glib-tongued, hypocritical bidder of public affection.
 
Attempts at rectifying such practices occurred later in Europe. Some of the most well-known movements such as “The Enlightenment” and “Romanticism” took part throughout the 17th and 18th century. Several eminent classical writers and philosophers such as Nietzsche and Camus emerged as the result of this.
 
Although it is a merit to possess the capabilities of swaying people, it is of vital importance to remember the origin and purpose of such acts. It is not merely a method the politicians utilize to flatter the public, nor is it a handy tool for cult leaders to captivate innocent people. Sophistry is the art of rhetoric, and its purpose is to spread wisdom and inspirations.