Demosthenes Quotes

The readiest and surest way to get rid of censure, is to correct ourselves.

- Demosthenes

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.

- Demosthenes

A man is his own easiest dupe, for what he wishes to be true he generally believes to be true.

- Demosthenes

Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.

- Demosthenes

Excessive dealings with tyrants are not good for the security of free states.

- Demosthenes

You cannot 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.

- Demosthenes

To remind a man of the good turns you have done him is very much like a reproach.

- Demosthenes

There is one safeguard known generally to the wise, which is an advantage and security to all, but especially to democracies as against despots - suspicion.

- Demosthenes

Close alliances with despots are never safe for free states.

- Demosthenes

Beware lest in your anxiety to avoid war you obtain a master.

- Demosthenes

The best protection for the people is not necessarily to believe everything people tell them.

- Demosthenes

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

- Demosthenes

Every dictator is an enemy of freedom, an opponent of law.

- Demosthenes

No man who is not willing to help himself has any right to apply to his friends, or to the gods.

- Demosthenes

What we have in us of the image of God is the love of truth and justice.

- Demosthenes

What we wish, that we readily believe.

- Demosthenes

I am a citizen of the world.

- Demosthenes