But a conflict of forces requires nothing so much as brave men; and of these, I believe, the larger number is with us, and with those who share our danger.
Source: The Public Orations of Demosthenes, Volume 1
Author
Greek · -384--322 · 11 quotes
Greek · -384–-322
11 quotes in our collection
Demosthenes (384-322 BCE) was an Athenian Greek statesman and orator, widely regarded as one of the greatest speakers of the ancient world. Born in Athens, he overcame early difficulties in speech and training to become a leading voice in public life. His most important works include the Philippics and Olynthiacs, directed against Philip II of Macedon, and On the Crown, a masterpiece of political defense and civic argument. Demosthenes matters because he made rhetoric inseparable from public responsibility. His speeches show language used not simply to persuade, but to awaken citizens to danger, honor, and duty. He represents the democratic belief that words can shape the fate of a city when spoken with discipline and courage. His quotes retain the force of political urgency sharpened by moral conviction. His example still links eloquence with the risks of democratic citizenship.
Collected Quotes
But a conflict of forces requires nothing so much as brave men; and of these, I believe, the larger number is with us, and with those who share our danger.
You have a thousand cavalry, and infantry as many as any one can desire, and three hundred ships.
My own belief is that our cause, the cause of justice, and its supporters, will prove stronger in every emergency than the traitor and the foreigner.
Why, when we have our acknowledged foes, do we seek to procure others?
The duty of those who claim to advise you here was to discuss the situation impartially, and to inquire, in an uncontentious spirit, what course is best in your interests.
There can be no possible question that it is to the interest of the city that both the Spartans and these Thebans should be weak.
We must, therefore, take care not to allow the Spartans to attain a formidable degree of strength.
Are they not all aware, that so long as they thought of the king as their common foe, and were at unity with one another, they were secure in their prosperity?
Do not then lay bare the evil condition of Hellas, by calling the powers together when they will not obey, or undertaking a war which you will be unable to carry on.
Keep the peace; take courage, and make your preparations.