The wishes of men are indeed a great help to such arguments, and therefore the easiest thing in the world is self-deceit; for every man believes what he wishes, though the reality is often different.
In a speech advocating for difficult but necessary military reforms, Demosthenes warns against the human tendency to believe what is convenient rather than what is true.
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All this being known to you, Athenians, all else of importance considered, I say, you must take heart and spirit, and apply yourselves more than ever to the war, contributing promptly, serving personally, leaving nothing undone.
You see to what wretched plight we are reduced by some men haranguing for popularity.
For it is plain to the Olynthians, that now they are fighting, not for glory or a slice of territory, but to save their country from destruction and servitude.
When this has been secured, one may look out for revenge on Philip; but before we lay the foundation right, I deem it idle to talk about the end.
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