"Who can wonder at the attractiveness... of the bar, for our ambitious young men, when the highest bribes of society are at the feet of the successful orator?"

Marsilio Ficino's quote, "Who can wonder at the appearance ... of the bar, for our enthusiastic young men, when the greatest bribes of society are at the feet of the successful orator?" exposes much about the attraction and status of the art of oratory and the legal profession in society. Ficino, a philosopher and scholar of the Renaissance duration, recognized the power and influence wielded by those who might eloquently speak and argue their case, particularly in the context of law and public discourse.

The term "the bar", within this context, symbolizes the legal occupation, where boys with aspirations found an avenue not just to get knowledge however to climb the social hierarchy. This notion is universal and timeless; the legal occupation has actually long been associated with status, impact, and the potential for significant monetary reward. The term "enthusiastic young men" suggests the drive and aspiration that numerous have to enhance their standing in society, and the bar presents a clear and highly regarded path toward that aspiration.

The expression "the greatest bribes of society" might not refer to literal bribes however can be analyzed more broadly as the benefits and honors society bestows on those who excel in oratory. In a period where public speaking influenced public opinion, governance, and justice, being a "effective orator" could command society's respect and open doors to power and privilege. Ficino underscores how eloquence and persuasion are highly valued, as they have the ability to shift opinions, win legal battles, and sway the masses.

In summary, the quote stresses the magnetic pull of professions that utilize skilled speech. It assesses how society values not just what one understands, however how compellingly one can communicate and promote ideas, a principle that continues to hold considerable currency in the contemporary world.