Five elements to master in your writing

Keys to applying logic, ethics, rhetoric, narrative, and beauty

Skilful writing applies the right balance of logic, ethics, rhetoric, narrative, and beauty to meet the context and circumstances. A good writer is familiar and flexible with all five of these elements.

When it comes to improving your writing, the benefits of mastering any one of these elements, let alone all five, are immense.

Logic (logos)—Logic is clear and coherent reasoning. Writing that lacks logic may be unsound, confusing, and misleading. The logical element of writing is founded upon logos, the intrinsic universal meaning and ordering power of the universe. Logical writing ensures conceptual integrity and is strengthened through evidence and sound research.

Ethics (ethos)—Ethics is the application of true, just, and good principles. Writing that lacks ethics may be misguided, deceptive, and degenerate. The ethical element of writing is founded upon ethos, the essence of character, which is ultimately consciousness aligned with truth. Ethical writing aligns the reader with perennial values, providing a guiding star for any given context.

Rhetoric (pathos)—Rhetoric is the skilful use of emotion to persuade, inspire, and influence. Writing that lacks rhetoric may be dry, flat, and unconvincing. The rhetorical element of writing is founded upon pathos, the intrinsic moods, emotions, and passion of life. Rhetorical writing musters the energies of life towards a specific outcome.

Narrative (mythos)—Narrative is the story element of writing. Writing that lacks narrative may be shallow, abstract, and unrelatable. The narrative element of writing is founded upon mythos, the universe as story. Humanity has been deeply engaged with story since our earliest times. Narrative brings meaning, orientation, depth, and imagination to writing.

Beauty (aesthesis)—Beauty is the attractiveness of writing. Writing that lacks beauty may be jarring, disorganised, and cacophonous. The beautiful element of writing is founded upon aesthesis, the clear sense of judgement and taste given to sensual and psychological experience. Beautiful writing clarifies and enlivens the soul with meaningful pleasure.

Different forms of writing have different needs, so require a different balance of these five elements (logic, ethics, rhetoric, narrative, beauty). Each element has its place. A skilful writer learns to master all five elements and applies them according to need.