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...
self deceit affection
Nothing is more easy than to deceive one's self, as our affections are subtle persuaders.
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.
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.
self deceit easier
Nothing is easier than self-deceit.
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.
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..