Demosthenes Quotes

384 BC–322 BC Greece

Demosthenes (Δημοσθένης, Dēmosthénēs; 384 BC – 12 October 322 BC) was a prominent Greek statesman and orator of ancient Athens, generally considered the greatest of the Greek orators.

Greece
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Politicians

Random Demosthenes quote

56 quotes

Beware, said I, lest, seeking to be rid of war, you find a master.

VI. Second Philippic (-2)

All speech is vain and empty unless it be accompanied by action.

II. Second Olynthiac (-8)

Whatever shall be to the advantage of all, may that prevail!

IV. First Philippic (-1)

It behooves us all to say what is best, not what is easiest.

VIII. On the Chersonese (-341)

It often proves harder to keep than to win prosperity.

I. First Olynthiac (-8)

It is not the blow that rouses anger but the disgrace.

XXI. Against Meidias (-7)

Who then are the only just and firm supporters of the law? You, the people.

XXIV. Against Timocrates (-352)

Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what each man wishes, that he also believes to be true.

It is impossible, absolutely impossible, to overcome our enemies abroad, until we have subdued the enemies within our gates.

VIII. On the Chersonese (-341)

To strengthen his voice, he spoke on the seashore over the roar of the waves.

The man who is in the highest state of prosperity, and who thinks his fortune most secure, knows not if it will remain unchanged till the evening.

XVIII. On the Crown (-330)

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.

XVIII. On the Crown (-330)

You cannot, I suppose, 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.

III. Third Olynthiac (-8)

It is only natural that the share of the absentees should fall to those who are present, and that of the indifferent to those who are willing to incur toil and danger.

IV. First Philippic (-1)

Envy is a sign of an evil nature.

XX. Against Leptines (-354)

For in civil society the rights of individuals, without reference to their power or weakness in the state, are determined by the laws. But in national concerns the powerful always prescribe to the weaker.

XV. For the Liberty of the Rhodians

A hoarseness caused by swallowing gold and silver.

To find fault, some one may say, is easy, and in every man's power; but to point out the proper course to be pursued in the present circumstances, that is the proof of a wise councellor.

I. First Olynthiac (-8)

The facts speak for themselves.

XIX. On the Embassy (-343)

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.

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Demosthenes (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.