It is unjust, that their authors should enjoy a popularity which has injured the commonwealth, while the adviser of salutary measures suffers by a displeasure that may lead to general improvement.
From a speech urging Athenians to resist Philip, Demosthenes reflects on the unfair treatment of those who give unpopular but beneficial advice.
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And methinks, men of Athens, any man fairly estimating what the gods have done for us, notwithstanding many untoward circumstances, might with reason be grateful to them.
He has risen by conciliating and cajoling the weakness of every people in turn who knew him not.
I am not ignorant, Athenians, that frequently, when any disappointment happens, you are angry, not with the parties in fault, but with the last speakers on the subject; yet never, with a view to self-protection, would I suppress what I…
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.
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