To censure, I may be told, is easy for any man; to show what measures the case requires, is the part of a counselor.
Demosthenes: “To censure, I may be told, is easy for any man; to show what measures the case requires, is the part of a counselor.”
Editor's note · Context
Demosthenes acknowledges the common criticism that fault-finding is easy, asserting that a true counselor's role is to propose solutions.
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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.
The present juncture, Athenians, all but proclaims aloud, that you must yourselves take these affairs in hand, if you care for their success.
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.
Could decrees of themselves compel you to perform your duty, or execute what they prescribe, neither would you with many decrees have accomplished little or nothing, nor would Philip have insulted you so long.





