Wisdom from the Ancients: Writing Tips from 5 Timeless Authors

Looking back at ancient wisdom can provide timeless insights for businesses. Imagine how the great thinkers and poets of antiquity—Plato, Aristotle, and others—might approach modern challenges like writing ad copy, telling stories, and building brands.

Well, as someone who loves ancient authors, philosophy, and history, I've done the heavy lifting for you.

Here are tips from 5 ancient authors on how they might excel in today's marketing landscape:

Plato: The Philosopher of Ideas

Personal Branding Tip: Plato would emphasize the importance of authenticity. He believed in the power of ideas and the pursuit of truth. To build a strong personal brand, Plato would advise showcasing your genuine beliefs and values. Authenticity attracts a loyal audience who resonate with your core message.

Writing Tip: Plato's dialogues are a testament to his storytelling prowess. He would advocate for writing that encourages critical thinking and dialogue. Engage your audience by asking thought-provoking questions and presenting different perspectives, just as he did in his works like "The Republic."

Sales Tip: For Plato, selling would be about educating and enlightening the customer. Rather than hard-selling, he would create ad copy that elevates the mind and appeals to the customer’s higher ideals, presenting the product as a means to achieve a more profound purpose.

Aristotle: The Master of Persuasion

Personal Branding Tip: Aristotle's concept of ethos, or character, is crucial for personal branding. He would suggest building credibility through expertise and integrity. Demonstrate your knowledge and ethical stance to earn your audience’s trust and respect.

Writing Tip: Aristotle's "Rhetoric" lays the foundation for persuasive writing. He would recommend using a balance of logos (logic), pathos (emotion), and ethos (credibility) to craft compelling messages. Ensure your writing is logical, emotionally engaging, and credible to persuade effectively.

Sales Tip: When it comes to sales, Aristotle would focus on understanding the audience's needs and desires. He would create ad copy that addresses these directly, using logical arguments supported by emotional appeal. His sales tip would be to always tailor the message to the specific audience for maximum impact.

Homer: The Epic Poet

Personal Branding Tip: Homer, author of the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey," would advise weaving epic narratives into your brand. Build a personal brand with a heroic journey that your audience can follow and feel part of. Share your struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way.

Writing Tip: Homer's vivid imagery and rich storytelling are key. Use descriptive language and powerful metaphors to create a compelling narrative. Transport your readers into your story world, making your message unforgettable.

Sales Tip: Homer would craft ad copy as an epic tale, highlighting the hero (the customer) and their journey toward a better life with the product as their trusted ally. Frame the product as a crucial part of the customer's adventure, making them feel like heroes in their own story.

Sappho: The Lyric Poet

Personal Branding Tip: Sappho's deeply personal and emotional poetry offers a lesson in vulnerability. She would recommend showing your personal side to create a strong emotional connection with your audience. Share personal stories and experiences to build an intimate bond with your followers.

Writing Tip: Sappho's concise and poignant style teaches the power of brevity. Keep your writing clear and to the point, but packed with emotional weight. Every word should carry meaning and evoke feelings.

Sales Tip: For Sappho, sales copy would be lyrical and evocative. Use poetic language to stir emotions and connect with the audience on a deeper level. Highlight the emotional benefits of the product, making it more than just a purchase, but an experience.

Cicero: The Orator

Personal Branding Tip: Cicero, renowned for his oratory skills, would emphasize the importance of articulate communication. Be a confident and eloquent speaker, whether in written or spoken form, to build a commanding personal brand.

Writing Tip: Cicero's speeches were structured for maximum impact. He would advise organizing your content clearly, with a strong introduction, a well-developed body, and a powerful conclusion. Clear structure aids in delivering your message effectively.

Sales Tip: In sales, Cicero would excel at using rhetorical techniques. He’d create persuasive ad copy by appealing to the audience’s logic, emotions, and ethical values. His approach would be to craft arguments that are compelling, credible, and tailored to the audience’s values and beliefs.

The wisdom of ancient authors offers timeless strategies for modern challenges in writing, branding, and sales.

Which ancient author's tip resonates most with you? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

By the way, this article on LinkedIn is just a little taste of what my newsletter, The Creative Catalyst is like. Want to get the real deal? Subscribe here: