Persuasion by Aspasia
Aspasia is one of the most famous and unrecognised women of Miletus and certainly in the fields of philosophy and psychology. The first thing that appears when googled, ‘…portrayed in Old Comedy as a prostitute and madame…’ ‘…was a mistress of the Athenian statesman Pericles.’ And, oh by the way, ‘was known as the teacher of socrates and cited by socrates and plato as the founder of Rheoric.’
EXCUSE ME, WHAT?
Aspasia of Miletus is prominent in classical record as a rigorous intellectual whose awareness and utilisation of rhetoric shaped philosophical practice in Athens. She resided in Athens during the 5th century BCE and could not be considered an Athenian citizen. Regarded as a metic, she was considered an immigrant resident alien. This meant she has similar rights to that of a slave during those times, no political rights and could not marry an Athenian.
She is best known as the companion of Pericles, the Athenian statesmen that led Athens in its’ Golden Age. Aspasia was highly regarded, aside from the societal placement she had inherited. Known for her education, rhetorical skill, philosophical mind and ability to teach, it is said that she instructed both Pericles and Socrates in oratory. Her home was maintained as a sanctuary for learning where those seeking her wisdom were welcome. Some ancient sources suggest that she had composed speeches for others, or at least heavily influencing them.
Her Impact
Unfortunately, there are no writings (that can be easily sourced) which survived under her name. This is assuming she wrote any at all. Regardless, her spoken words influenced a ripple effect.
Rhetoric & Persuasion
She was documented to have taught Socrates in the practice of rhetoric and persuasion. In turn, the utilisation of this skill in public speaking and political arguments. It was cited in Oeconomicus, Aspasia is referred to as an expert in the matter of reasoning, persuasion and civil life intersect, most commonly applied to marriages.
Intellectual Networker
Many thinkers, leaders, playwrights had passed through her salon. Debates and discussions were held in her home. Aspasia was known as a central point for mediation and mentorship in her skillset. Networking with these intellects meant that ideas were shared, sharpened and spread. The evolution of many theories were born out of these discussions.
Female Presence Amongst Peers
At this time in history, females were intellectually respected. As such, a woman publicly speaking and teaching was not rare. However, temples of learning and sharing of knowledge was typically left to males. Considering she has been recognised as a teacher of some of the most profound philosophers, let alone advising significant public figures of the time is a testament to her intelligence and obvious that she was revered. This challenged leadership expectations of the evolving patriarchal society.
The Rise of the Patriarchy
Common in the history of the rise of patriarchy and the rise in power of the church, is the movements to limit the knowledge available to the common man. This is to ensure power remained within the selected parameters (e.g. the church) and society were considered “controlled”. Because of who she was considered - a foreign female, non-citizen, unmarried - she became a target for slander, mockery and omission.
A subject of Comedy. She was mocked and portrayed in a sexualised manner with sensationalised terms. Her intelligence and contribution to society was overshadowed by her un-wed relationship with Pericles and other alleged immoral behaviour.
The records of Aspasia’s involvement were neglected, missed or lost. This was common for female figures with influence in society over history. Due to the nature of her work, public rhetoric, her involvement was neglected to be included in records to encourage adoration for the primary recorded subject.
As history continued, communities with great leverage and power over society shaped what was preserved or considered respectable and useful for the population. In many of these traditions, the records of influential women were misplaced, destroyed or ignored with steps taken to tarnish their reputations. Aspasia’s lack of writings suggests that her works may be included in that pattern of exclusion.
The Power of Rhetoric & Persuasion
A skill and tool to speak utilising rhetoric and persuasion is vital to your self empowerment and evolution. It is the tactic of manipulating discussions and situations to acquire a desired outcome. This is not vindictive or deceitful, it is self-empowerment. It is utilising your intelligence to meet your goals. Aspasia reminds up that ideas themselves aren’t enough - how you present them, how you persuade others, matters.
Creating Space for Dialogue
Aspasia holds a physical space for the spread of her intellectual guidance. However, what has not yet been discussed is that this would be a symbiotic transaction. It is not in isolation that one party passes on teachings or guidance. Holding space for discussions with open-mindedness is important to your growth. The wise are only aware of one thing, that they do not know everything - if anything at all.
Exclusions in Society
The neglect of Aspasia’s contribution in modern philosophy and psychology indicates a clear example of who we exclude in society. Whether this is due to gender, race, background - it is irrelevant. It is our duty as individuals to, again, hold space for another regardless of the societal labels and categories we are filed into.
Recognising Co-Creation and Hidden Contributions
Contribution is not always recognised with credit. Aspasia provides the means to consider the involvement of others in a singular piece of work. Did you know that Beyonce had 9 writers make “Single Ladies”? Co-creation is the new world term that considers all parties contributing to a result.
Integrity Under Pressure
Due to the limited information, it is not clear whether Aspasia battled with hostility while providing teachings of rhetoric to highly revered philosophy figures such as Socrates and Xenophone. Yes, the fact that they offered her credit in works maintained today, suggests that she had resilience regardless.
