Computers and the Internet have made it really easy to rant. It's

In the distant past, when wisdom was passed down in humble gatherings beneath the stars, the wise were careful with their words. Speech, as the ancients believed, was a powerful force—capable of inspiring nations, shaping destinies, and even toppling empires. The great philosophers, like Socrates and Plato, understood that dialogue—true dialogue—was the key to knowledge. But in their time, it was not easy to speak. It required courage, intellect, and a clear purpose. Words were not tossed into the air lightly; they were measured, considered, and revered. Scott Weiland, reflecting on the nature of modern communication, sees how far we have come from this ancient wisdom when he says, "Computers and the Internet have made it really easy to rant. It's made everyone overly opinionated."

In Weiland's observation, there is a deep and timely truth. The advent of the computer and the Internet—those powerful tools that have brought the world closer together—have also created a vast landscape where opinions flow freely, often without restraint. In the days of the ancients, to express one’s opinions was a matter of significant consequence. A speech delivered by a great orator could change the course of history, but it came with the weight of responsibility. Today, however, the barriers between thought and speech have crumbled. Computers, those modern-day symbols of human ingenuity, have turned speech into something fleeting—like wind, it can blow through the digital world without warning, and once it is spoken, it often leaves behind little trace of consequence.

Consider the Roman Empire, where oratory was the art that defined political power. Cicero, one of Rome's most celebrated orators, used his words not only to influence but to govern. To speak in Rome was to wield power, and Cicero’s speeches were crafted carefully to resonate with the hearts and minds of his fellow citizens. His words were a reflection of his inner convictions and the needs of his society. The people who listened did not speak carelessly; their opinions were shaped by the weight of rhetoric and the careful thought of those who had earned their voice. Weiland’s words remind us how far we have drifted from that time. Now, anyone with an Internet connection can shout into the void, whether their words have substance or not. The art of rhetoric has been diluted, and what was once powerful has become trivial.

Yet, this ease of expression is not without its dangers. In ancient Greece, the Sophists were often criticized for using rhetoric to persuade rather than to enlighten, for twisting the truth to suit their purposes. The wise men of Athens, like Socrates, saw through the illusions of such speakers, understanding that the true purpose of words was not simply to sway others, but to seek truth. Today, in the age of online rants, this problem is magnified. People speak, but their words often lack the depth, the wisdom, and the careful thought that once accompanied speech. It is easy to hide behind the anonymity of the screen, to hurl opinions into the world without facing the consequences. And while the digital age has democratized speech, it has also made it more reckless.

In the ancient world, the power of words was guarded by the limitations of distance and time. If a man wished to speak, he had to gather an audience, travel to a place of influence, and be ready to defend his words. The power of speech lay in its rarity, its value, and its ability to move minds. Weiland’s words highlight how the Internet has flipped this paradigm. Now, opinions, whether informed or uninformed, are everywhere. The power of speech has been reduced to noise, a clamor in the marketplace that drowns out the voices of those with wisdom to share.

The lesson that we can take from Weiland’s words is to cultivate wisdom before we speak, to remember that words still carry the weight of power—even in the digital age. We must not allow ourselves to be swept away by the current of unfettered opinions that flood the Internet. Just as the ancient philosophers took great care in choosing their words, so too should we. Speech should not be a tool for venting frustrations or inflating egos, but a means to share insights, challenge assumptions, and seek truth. The power of computers and the Internet lies not in how easily we can speak, but in how effectively we can use these platforms to enhance meaningful dialogue.

In practical terms, we must resist the temptation to add to the noise. We should listen more than we speak, choosing to offer words that are thoughtful and intentional, not reactive or hastily thrown out. The digital world offers vast opportunities for connection, but it also demands greater responsibility in how we communicate. Let us, like the orators of ancient times, use our voices not for ranting, but for building a conversation that promotes understanding, compassion, and mutual respect. By doing so, we honor the wisdom of the past and ensure that the digital world, much like the orator's stage, remains a place where words are wielded with purpose and integrity.