Eloquent Writing May or May Not Contain Meaning

"We love eloquence for its own sake, and not for any truth which it may utter, or any heroism may inspire."

     This quote from Thoreau states that as a society, we love eloquent language itself, not necessarily for what it is saying.  Eloquent language may not always be in regards to the truth, but because it is beautiful people enjoy it more.  Thoreau's quote not only displays his point, but it proves it as well.  I do not agree with what Thoreau is saying, since it is possible to see through someones flowery diction.  Many times when someone is giving a speech or writing, it is easy to see through someones big words to the lack of meaning behind them.  Since people are able to see through the meaningless language, no one love eloquence for its own sake.  The only time that I see people love eloquence for its own sake is in poetry.  Sometimes, poetry is beautiful and has a beautiful meaning, but other times is sounds nice but lacks actual depth.  Many politicians also use this method when asked questions and proposing ideas that they do not actually have a solution to.  By using big words, they are able to get off topic and fill u time without providing a real answer.  In the 2016 presidential election, this is especially true.  There are many issues facing our country today, and it is difficult to find a true solution, so to defend themselves many politicians will not admit that they do not know and will use eloquent language to protect their reputations.  Many legislators do not wish to show people that there are negative aspects of their discussion, so the people are left to listen to unnecessarily wordy speeches and writings to find out what their government is doing.  In a way, the people never really find out the entire truth.

     Despite the typical lack of meaning in eloquent meaning, it can inspire people.  The beautiful words stand out to people, and once people latch on to specific words it is easy to persuade them.  This reveals that eloquent language can be loved for its inspirational effects, but it can also be identified as meaningless.  In my opinion, Thoreau is both right and wrong in his thinking.  I believe he is aware of this since in his writing, he himself uses pretentious language.  This invokes a feeling within the reader but it does not always have meaning.  Much of his writing is redundant to points he makes; Thoreau will make a point,  but then restate it in flowery language over and over again.  I believe that Thoreau says, "We love eloquence for its own sake, and not for any truth which it may utter, or any heroism may inspire," to invoke further thinking.  I do not think that he intended for the quote to be factual and that he is aware that the quote can be interpreted as incorrect.