Primo Quotes

Demosthenes

Demosthenes (/d??m?s.??ni?z/; Greek: ?????????? D?mosthén?s [d??most?én??s]; 384–322 BC) was a prominent 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 living as a professional speech-writer (logographer) and a lawyer, writing speeches for use in private legal suits.

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

There is one safeguard known generally to the wise, which is an advantage and security to all, but e ...

Small opportunities often presage great enterprises.

We need money, for sure, Athenians, and without money nothing can be done that ought to be done.

Do you remember that in classical times when Cicero had finished speaking, the people said, "How wel ...

It is impossible for men engaged in low and groveling pursuits to have noble and generous sentiments ...

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

Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.

“We have mistresses for pleasure, concubines to care for our daily body’s needs and wives to bea ...

“Nothing is so easy as to deceive oneself? for what we wish, we readily believe.”

“As a vessel is known by the sound, whether it be cracked or not; so men are proved, by their spee ...

“What we wish, that we readily believe.”

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“Close alliances with despots are never safe for free states”

“[A story was told about Demosthenes and another orator. When the unnamed orator (understandably f ...