To be backward, men of Athens, in performing those services to which the person and property of every one are liable, is wrong, very wrong, and yet it admits of some excuse: but refusing even to bear what is necessary to be heard, and fit to be considered, this calls for the severest censure.
In a speech urging Athenians to action against Philip, Demosthenes criticizes their reluctance to listen to necessary counsel.
Share
More from Demosthenes
If a man keep what he gets, he is thankful to fortune; if he lose it by imprudence, he loses withal his memory of the obligation.
As for me, never before have I courted favor, by speaking what I am not convinced is for your good, and now I have spoken my whole mind frankly and unreservedly.
True, when a confederacy subsists by good-will, and all parties to the war have a common interest, men are willing to co-operate and bear hardships and persevere.
On many occasions, men of Athens, one may see the kindness of the gods to this country manifested, but most signally, I think, on the present.
Other voices in this conversation
