In Ancient Greece, the great philosopher, Socrates, did not write anything down, since he did not trust writing. He mentored Plato, who wrote volumes, including Socrates’s thoughts. Plato taught Aristotle, whose stated goal was to systematize the learning of all knowledge.

Also, at the time there was Isocrates, a specialist in communications. He apparently taught all three philosophers. From Isocrates, Aristotle leaned – and refined – a communications concept called the enthymeme. It is a form of refined summary.

Aristotle said that if you become an expert at the enthymeme, you will know almost everything you need to know about communications. He then said that if you also become expert at using examples, then you will know everything you need to know about communications.

Learning the Enthymeme