Demóstenes

The fact speaks for themselves.

He who confers a favor should at once forget it, if he is not to show a sordid ungenerous spirit. To remind a man of a kindness conferred and to talk of it, is little different from reproach.

Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what each man wishes, that he also believes to be true.

Every advantage in the past is judged in the light of the final issue.

When asked what was first in oratory, [he] replied to his questioner, ‘action,’ what second, ‘action,’ and again third, ‘action’.

What we have in us of the image of God is the love of truth and justice.

You cannot have a proud and chivalrous spirit if your conduct is mean and paltry; for whatever a man's actions are, such must be his spirit.

The readiest and surest way to get rid of censure, is to correct ourselves.

What we wish, that we readily believe.

Beware lest in your anxiety to avoid war you obtain a master.

There is one safeguard known generally to the wise, which is an advantage and security to all, but especially to democracies as against despots - suspicion.

No man who is not willing to help himself has any right to apply to his friends, or to the gods.

The best protection for the people is not necessarily to believe everything people tell them.

A man is his own easiest dupe, for what he wishes to be true he generally believes to be true.

To remind a man of the good turns you have done him is very much like a reproach.

Excessive dealings with tyrants are not good for the security of free states.

As a vessel is known by the sound, whether it be cracked or not; so men are proved, by their speeches, whether they be wise or foolish.

Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.

Every dictator is an enemy of freedom, an opponent of law.

All speech is vain and empty unless it be accompanied by action.