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.
men noble impossible
It is impossible for men engaged in low and groveling pursuits to have noble and generous sentiments. A man's thought must always follow his employment.
speech action empty
All speech is vain and empty unless it be accompanied by action.
believe men wish
What a man wishes, he will believe.
real believe self
Nothing is so easy as to deceive one's self; for what we wish, that we readily believe; but such expectations are often inconsistent with the real state of things.
men use able
The more able a man is, if he make ill use of his abilities, the more dangerous will he be to the commonwealth.
mean men proud
You cannot have a proud and chivalrous spirit if your conduct is mean and paltry; for whatever a man's actions are, such must be his spirit.
justice god-image truth-and-justice
What we have in us of the image of God is the love of truth and justice.
law enemy opponents
Every dictator is an enemy of freedom, an opponent of law.
people remember march
Do you remember that in classical times when Cicero had finished speaking, the people said, "How well he spoke" but when Demosthenes had finished speaking, they said, "Let us march.
inspirational believe wish
Nothing is so easy as to deceive oneself; for what we wish, we readily believe.
tyrants states dealings
Excessive dealings with tyrants are not good for the security of free states.
thinking self deceiving
There is a great deal of wishful thinking in such cases it is the easiest thing of all to deceive ones self.
war anxiety masters
Beware lest in your anxiety to avoid war you obtain a master