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...
may advantage
Whatever shall be to the advantage of all, may that prevail!
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.]
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.
men helping willing
No man who is not willing to help himself has any right to apply to his friends, or to the gods.
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.
believe want
We believe whatever we want to believe.
life facts speak
The fact speak for themselves.
men abuse praise
It is the natural disposition of all men to listen with pleasure to abuse and slander of their neighbour, and to hear with impatience those who utter praises of themselves.
safety alliances states
Close alliances with despots are never safe for free states.
needs done need-money
We need money, for sure, Athenians, and without money nothing can be done that ought to be done.