Demosthenes
Demosthenes
Demostheneswas a Greek statesman and orator of ancient Athens. His orations constitute a significant expression of contemporary Athenian intellectual prowess and provide an insight into the politics and culture of ancient Greece during the 4th century BC. Demosthenes learned rhetoric by studying the speeches of previous great orators. He delivered his first judicial speeches at the age of 20, in which he argued effectively to gain from his guardians what was left of his inheritance. For a time, Demosthenes made his...
trust wise tyrants
There is one safeguard known generally to the wise, which is an advantage and security to all, but especially to democracies as against despots - suspicion.
trust country mind
There are all kinds of devices invented for the protection and preservation of countries: defensive barriers, forts, trenches, and the like... But prudent minds have as a natural gift one safeguard which is the common possession of all, and this applies especially to the dealings of democracies. What is this safeguard? Skepticism. This you must preserve. This you must retain. If you can keep this, you need fear no harm.
men done turns
To remind a man of the good turns you have done him is very much like a reproach.
war fighting men
The man who flies shall fight again. [Lat., Qui fugiebat, rusus praeliabitur.]
self deceit affection
Nothing is more easy than to deceive one's self, as our affections are subtle persuaders.
men benefits facts
The man who has received a benefit ought always to remember it, but he who has granted it ought to forget the fact at once.
rushing causes extravagance
Great and unexpected successes are often the cause of foolish rushing into acts of extravagance.
clouds secret-places secret
Clouds cannot cover secret places, nor denials conceal truth.
men helping willing
No man who is not willing to help himself has any right to apply to his friends, or to the gods.
cost repentance decline
I decline to buy repentance at the cost often thousand drachmas.
wise stupid men
As a vessel is known by the sound, whether it be cracked or not; so men are proved, by their speeches, whether they be wise or foolish.
past issues light
Every advantage in the past is judged in the light of the final issue.
believe want
One believes in what one wants to believe in..
kindness men favors
He who confers a favor should at once forget it, if he is not to show a sordid ungenerous spirit. To remind a man of a kindness conferred and to talk of it, is little different from reproach.