Political Quotes

Demosthenes: All speech without action appears vain and idle, but especially that of our commonwealth; as the more we are thought to…

On the recordc. 349 BC
All speech without action appears vain and idle, but especially that of our commonwealth; as the more we are thought to excel therein, the more is our speaking distrusted by all.
Said by
Demosthenes

Editor's note · Context

Demosthenes warns the Athenians that their reputation for eloquent speech makes their inaction even more detrimental to their credibility.

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