Trivium: The Classical Liberal Arts of Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric
Trivium is a thoughtful journey into the foundational pillars of classical education (grammar, logic, and rhetoric) each serving as a stepping stone toward clarity of thought and persuasive expression.
In the Grammar section, the book highlights the vital role of the parts of speech, showing how content and structure form the backbone of clear communication. Verbs, in particular, are tied not only to action but also to time. Both chronos (chronological time) and kairos (the opportune moment). This dual relationship shows how speech isn’t just structured but also timely, an idea deeply rooted in ancient Greek thought.
The discussion of poetry connects form to beauty. The etymology of "poetry" (from Greek poiein, "to make") reminds us that poetry was once improvised, often accompanied by music. The book celebrates how forms like ballads, sonnets, triolets, and rondeaus give rhythm and flavor to language, making it both artful and memorable.
In the Logic section, we dive into dialectic, syllogisms, fallacies, and axioms—tools that shape reasoning. Logic is framed as the underlying law of thought, bringing structure to our mental processes. It sharpens our ideas before they meet the world through speech. A standout quote from the book encapsulates this progression:
"Of all arts the first and most general is logic, then grammar, and last of all rhetoric, since there can be much use of reason without speech, but not use of speech without reason."
Finally, Rhetoric is portrayed as the enfant terrible of the trivium: dazzling, powerful, and sometimes dangerous. Built on five canons—Invention (Inventio), Arrangement (Dispositio), Style (Elocutio), Memory (Memoria), and Delivery (Actio)—rhetoric is the art of persuasion in its fullest sense. From brainstorming and structuring arguments to the power of performance, this section reveals how persuasion blends logic and beauty into communicative force.
Conclusion
In our age of superficial knowledge and rushed communication, Trivium reminds us of the depth and discipline of classical learning. It urges us to slow down, to revisit and refine how we think, speak, and persuade. Reading it is like sharpening your intellectual toolkit before moving on to the Quadrivium, where number and harmony await.
João Pedro Paro
Global Director of Governance, Risk & Compliance | PhD Candidate | Internationally Qualified Attorney
