Quotes from IV. First Philippic — Demosthenes
384 BC–322 BC Greece
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5 quotes
Those who would wage war successfully must not wait upon events but anticipate them.
IV. First Philippic (-1)
The opportunities of fortune wait not for our dilatoriness and reluctance.
IV. First Philippic (-1)
Whatever shall be to the advantage of all, may that prevail!
IV. First Philippic (-1)
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)
But you, Athenians, possessing unsurpassed resources—fleet, infantry, cavalry, revenues— have never to this very day employed them aright, and yet you carry on war with Philip exactly as a barbarian boxes. The barbarian, when struck, always clutches the place; hit him on the other side and there go his hands. He neither knows nor cares how to parry a blow or how to watch his adversary.
IV. First Philippic (-1)