In Chapter XI of Book XII, Quintilian discusses retiring from oration with dignity. He states, "The orator, after displaying these excellences of eloquence on trials, in councils, at the assemblies of the people, in the senate, and in every province of a good citizen, will think of bringing his labours to an end worthy of an honourable man and a noble employment..." Quintilian goes on to state that if ones constitution is weakened by old age he must step down before he "does not recognize his former in his present self." (425)
This section particularly struck me as I watch my father struggle with the decision to retire. My father was an MSU professor in the Plant & Soil Sciences department at the time he was diagnosed with Huntington's Disease, a neuro-degenerative disorder. A few years after his diagnosis he became concerned about his ability to communicate and specifically to continue teaching. When he inquired about work with his neurologist about his continued ability to work the doctor responded that had my father been a pilot she would have grounded him, but as he wasn't endangering anyone he should feel free to continue working. My father thought long and hard about that and ultimately decided that he was endangering the future of his students if he could no longer effectively teach and conduct research. There is definately something to be said for knowing your own limits and being able to step back with dignity.
I'm sure it was absolutely difficult for your father to step down, especially keeping his own dignity. I also think that there is a certain respect for the art in itself and not wanting to taint what had previously said (or taught): "lest he should not recognize his former in his present self" (425). I also think that being able to acknowledge that one needs to step down says a lot about the speaker's knowledge, in that the orator knows what an impact that "strength of voice, lungs, and constitution" have on the audience. It really is an honorable thing to retire.
ReplyDelete