Political Quotes

Demosthenes: So in political affairs, they who misuse their opportunities forget even the good which the gods send them; for every…

On the recordc. 349 BC
So in political affairs, they who misuse their opportunities forget even the good which the gods send them; for every prior event is judged commonly by the last result.
Said by
Demosthenes

Editor's note · Context

Demosthenes applies a general principle of human judgment to political affairs, noting that past benefits are often forgotten if current outcomes are negative.

Share

More from Demosthenes

c. 349 BC

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.

gutenberg.org
c. 349 BC

There is the insult too, and the disgrace of the thing, worse than any damage to right-thinking men.

gutenberg.org
c. 349 BC

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.

gutenberg.org
c. 349 BC

I request you, if I speak my mind, to be patient, and consider only, whether I speak the truth, and with a view to future amendment.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation