Demosthenes Quotes
A man is his own easiest dupe, for what he wishes to be true he generally believes to be true.
Demosthenes, 385? -322 BC, Greek Athenian Statesman and Orator, Third Olynthiac, 349 BC
Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations
See {638470} for more on the subject by Mencken.
Demosthenes was a 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.
