Of that which has been read, Athenians, most is true, unhappily true; perhaps not agreeable to hear.
Demosthenes: “Of that which has been read, Athenians, most is true, unhappily true; perhaps not agreeable to hear.”
Editor's note · Context
From a speech urging Athenians to confront the reality of their situation, on the nature of unpleasant truths.
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If we admitted the truth of what would be your best possible answer, namely, that all you do is for honor and renown, I wonder what puts it into your head, that you ought from such motives to exert yourself and undergo toil and danger…
He is convinced, you will not submit to be slaves; if you were inclined, you would not know how, having been accustomed to command: you will be able, should occasion offer, to give him more trouble than any people in the world.
For this reason he will show us no mercy, if he get us into his power: and therefore you must make up your minds, that the struggle will be one for life and death.
How is it equitable, that certain of these men, returned from prison, should not know themselves, while the state, that once protected all Greece and held the foremost place, is sunk in ignominy and humiliation?





