The man who has received a benefit ought always to remember it, but he who has granted it ought to forget the fact at once.
—Demosthenes
Every advantage in the past is judged in the light of the final issue.
—Demosthenes
What we wish, that we readily believe.
—Demosthenes
Topics: Faith
What we have in us of the image of God is the love of truth and justice.
—Demosthenes
Topics: Truth
To remind a man of the good turns you have done him is very much like a reproach.
—Demosthenes
Topics: Gratitude
The easiest thing in the world is self-deceit; for every man believes what he wishes, though the reality is often different.
—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
Topics: Spirituality, Spirit
Everything great is not always good, but all good things are great.
—Demosthenes
Topics: Greatness
It is impossible for men engaged in low and groveling pursuits to have noble and generous sentiments. A man’s thought must always follow his employment.
—Demosthenes
Topics: Thought
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
Topics: Speech
The sower of the seed is assuredly the author of the whole harvest of mischief.
—Demosthenes
No man can tell what the future may bring forth, and small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.
—Demosthenes
Topics: Beginnings, Opportunities, Opportunity, Luck
There is one safeguard, which is an advantage and security for all, but especially to democracies against despots. What is it? Distrust.
—Demosthenes
Topics: Government, Trust
The readiest and surest way to get rid of censure, is to correct ourselves.
—Demosthenes
Topics: Censorship
Whatever shall be to the advantage of all, may that prevail!
—Demosthenes
No man who is not willing to help himself has any right to apply to his friends, or to the gods.
—Demosthenes
Topics: Self-reliance, Independence
Success has a great tendency to conceal and throw a veil over the evil deeds of men.
—Demosthenes
Topics: Success
It is not possible to found a lasting power upon injustice, perjury, and treachery.
—Demosthenes
Topics: Power, Justice
He who confers a favor should at once forget it, if he is not to show a sordid, ungenerous spirit. To remind a man of a kindness conferred on him, and to talk of it, is little different from reproach.
—Demosthenes
Topics: Kindness, Generosity
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
- Xenocrates Greek Philosopher, Scientist
- Xenophon Ancient Greek Philosopher
- Euripides Ancient Greek Dramatist
- Adolf Hitler German Fascist Dictator
- Hippocrates Ancient Greek Physician
- Democritus Ancient Greek Philosopher
- Thomas Lovell Beddoes English Poet
- Plato Ancient Greek Philosopher
- Margaret Laurence Canadian Novelist
- Sophocles Ancient Greek Dramatist
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