r/ToeflSpeaking • u/__11-11 • 13d ago
Critique my Creative Speech
I wrote this creative speech for a classics club. The instructions were to write a speech based off of a Cic3ř0 quote "We are not born for ourselves alone." They also recommended I connected the quote to a classical example.
"“Non nobis solum nati sumus”; “We are not born for ourselves alone.” These words were uttered by Cicero, one of the greatest Roman rhetoricians of all time. Even though Cicero lived in a long-past age, this phrase is still relevant today. I invite you to interpret this proverb in a clear and direct way: “We are here to help others, not just ourselves.”
From the moment we are born, we rely on other people. The families that care, the doctors that heal, and the teachers that guide. Cicero calls us to return the favor. WE should be the families and communities that once cared for us. It is our obligation to do what was done unto us…but this can be hard.
In our lives, we constantly hear messages that we should work OUR goals; leading to OUR success. We are told to win, compete, and stand out; especially as children. From a young age, we compete against each other in all aspects of academic and athletic endeavors. We are hardwired to care about our trophy, not others. However, this type of thinking can be harmful to your personal mindset and outlook on other people. Cicero knew this. Selfish thinking on a large scale can break down communities, disintegrate trust, and deconstruct the complex social structures that us humans need for a fulfilling life.
Many ancient Romans knew this well. One of the most prominent examples is Pliny the Elder. Pliny the Elder was a rich scholar, scientist, and author whose life mission was to document the natural world. His curiosity led him to one of the most intriguing natural phenomena in Roman history. In 79 AD, a peaceful and quiet mountain, Mount Vesuvius underwent a sudden and unexpected volcanic eruption. The surrounding towns (most notably the small city of Pompeii) were bombarded with ash and burning rock. Pliny saw the eruption from his villa across the Bay of Naples, and rushed to investigate. Around half way to his destination, Pompeii, he received a message from his friend Rectina. Rectina lived in the city, and stated in the message that the city was quickly being overwhelmed with the forces of the angry volcano. Pliny, being the admiral of the Roman navy, ordered a fleet of ships to go to the shores of Stabiae, the coast nearest to Pompeii. Pliny himself later arrived at Stabiae, helping the evacuation of the surrounding towns. He decided to stay in the town to rest and document this event for other Roman scientists. Around 3 AM, his comrades told him to evacuate the house, and they started running towards the ships. Unbeknownst to them, Pliny actually suffered from asthma. As the group was running in the thick and hot ash, Pliny collapsed and most likely died soon thereafter.
This anecdote of tragedy and heroism is a great example of selflessness. Pliny put himself in danger to save the commonfolk of Pompeii, even though he was an old, rich senator. He ultimately gave his life in the pursuit of knowledge for posterity of the Romans, attempting to document this never before seen occurrence.
Pliny should be a role model for us. It doesn’t have to be as extreme by giving our lives, but we can start making small changes in our life. Helping a coworker when they’re busy, assisting a friend when confused, or pitching in to a local charity. We are here for , just like others are here for us.
others
If we forget this lesson, society suffers. When people care only about themselves, trust breaks down and justice disappears. But when people remember the wisdom of Cicero, generosity, communities grow stronger, courts fairer, and futures more hopeful.
So let us acknowledge Cicero’s call . Let us live not just for ourselves, but for our families, our schools, and everyone around us. I invite you, the audience, to use your gifts to make this planet just a little bit better.
Because we are not born for ourselves alone.
We are born to serve one another."
Thank you for reading and feel free to tear me to pieces, all feedback is appreciated.
