The Origins of Public Relations

Public Relations: We can all think of ways public relations impacts and illuminates the good works of others, but how did this “media skill” arise?

Back in ancient Egypt (2,200BCE), Ptah-hotep was an advisor to an Egyptian pharaoh. His writings were one of the first documentations that addressed effective, truthful communication. Years later, archeologists found stone tablets in ancient Mesopotamia (present day Iraq) that chronicled goals for establishing a stable empire.

In 5th Century BCE Greece citizens of the democracy were known to vocalize their points of view. The Sophist’s, a specific group of teachers provided nobility and statesmen (anyone who could pay) public speaking training. This gave the privileged members of society the skills to persuasively have a say so.

Later in 3rd Century BCE, the renowned philosopher Socrates taught that effective communication should be based on equal truths. This differed from prior teachings of the Sophists, who believed in only teaching citizens that could pay. Socrates student, Plato, carried on Socrates work, however, it was Plato’s student Aristotle who carried the touch the farthest.

Aristotle analyzed persuasive communication and showed others how to be effective speakers. His focus on the art of speech involved compelling and ethical arguments.

The ideas of these public relations efforts have shaped the world of public relations as we know it today. Persuasion, truth and disseminating information has come a long way.

To learn more about old world PR, click here.  For more information about PR basics, click here.