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[15]
Further, maxims are of great assistance to
speakers, first, because of the vulgarity1 of the hearers, who are pleased if
an orator, speaking generally, hits upon the opinions which they specially
hold.2 What I mean will be clear from the following, and also how one
should hunt for maxims. The maxim, as we have said, is a statement of the
general; accordingly, the hearers are pleased to hear stated in general terms
the opinion which they have already specially formed. For instance, a man who
happened to have bad neighbors or children would welcome any one's statement
that nothing is more troublesome than neighbors or more stupid than to beget
children. Wherefore the speaker should endeavor to guess how his hearers formed
their preconceived opinions and what they are, and then express himself in
general terms in regard to them.
Aristotle in 23 Volumes, Vol. 22, translated by J. H. Freese. Aristotle. Cambridge and London. Harvard University Press; William Heinemann Ltd. 1926.
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