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

— Demosthenes VIII. On the Chersonese (-341)

δεῖ [. . .] τὸ βέλιστον ἀεί, μὴ τὸ ῥᾷστον ἅπαντας λέγειν.

Original text (Ancient Greek)

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More quotes by Demosthenes

Every advantage in the past is judged in the light of the final issue.

I. First Olynthiac (-8)

The end of life for all men is death, though one seek security by locking oneself in the innermost chamber.

XVIII. On the Crown (-330)

It is not possible to found a lasting power upon injustice, perjury, and treachery.

The easiest thing in the world is self-deceit; for every man believes what he wishes, though the reality is often different.

III. Third Olynthiac (-8)

It is impossible, men of Athens, impossible to gain permanent power by injustice, perjury, and falsehood.

II. Second Olynthiac (-8)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Demosthenes (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.