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





