Demosthenes Quotes

Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what each man wishes, that he also believes to be true.

Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.