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...
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.
believe wish
What we wish, that we readily believe.
greatness good-things
Everything great is not always good, but all good things, are great.
law enemy opponents
Every dictator is an enemy of freedom, an opponent of law.
believe men wish
What a man wishes, he will believe.
speech action empty
All speech is vain and empty unless it be accompanied by action.
may advantage
Whatever shall be to the advantage of all, may that prevail!
fall gay should-have
It is not possible to found a lasting power upon injustice, perjury, and treachery. These may, perhaps, succeed for once, and borrow for awhile, from hope, a gay and flourishing appearance. But time betrays their weakness, and they fall into ruin of themselves. For, as in structures of every kind, the lower parts should have the greatest firmness--so the grounds and principles of actions should be just and true.
wisdom deliberation ends
The end of wisdom is consultation and deliberation.
men evil deeds
Success has a great tendency to conceal and throw a veil over the evil deeds of men.
inspirational motivational business
Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.
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 thinking evening
The man who is in the highest state of prosperity, and who thinks his fortune is most secure, knows not if it will remain unchanged till the evening.
blessing next fortune
Good fortune is the greatest of blessings, but good counsel comes next, and the lack of it destroys the other also.