Groups have to be persuaded, but friends don't have to explain everything in conversations. The most essential aspect of the classic style is its stance toward truth. Since classic style treats all matters discussed as though they would be open to verification by the reader, it presupposes possession of truth as a possible attainment. We may not know the actual number of planets, but classic prose assumes that the number is what it is independent of anyone's wishes or ideologies. Finally, the achievement of classic prose is a perfect performance in which every word counts.
Classic prose is energetic without being anxious or rushed.
It reveals the individual personality of the writer, but only as a by-product of an effort to present truth. On a personal level, Clear and Simple as the Truth explains why I found it so painful last year to write a lengthy, official statement on behalf of a government body in New Zealand, advising a ministerial review committee of the Australian federal parliament.