So report says, and I can well believe it; for undeserved success leads weak-minded men into folly; and thus it appears often, that to maintain prosperity is harder than to acquire it.
Demosthenes: “So report says, and I can well believe it; for undeserved success leads weak-minded men into folly; and thus it appears…”
Editor's note · Context
In a speech urging action against Philip, Demosthenes observes that maintaining prosperity is often more challenging than achieving it, especially for those with undeserved success.
Share
More from Demosthenes
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.
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 the riches of a state I consider to be allies, confidence, good-will; of all which you are destitute.
Because our city is the only one where liberty is allowed to speak for the enemy, where a man taking a bribe may safely address the people, though they have been deprived of their possessions.





