Source edition
Demosthenes. Orationes, Vol. I. Butcher, S. H., editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1903.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a political oration by Demosthenes, delivered in Athens amid the growing threat of Philip II of Macedon, urging the immediate rescue of the allied city of Olynthus and fundamental state reform. Set in the Athenian Assembly, the speaker warns the citizens of their critical situation, prompting them to reflect on past military failures and take decisive action. In the middle of the speech, he demands the repeal of laws concerning the festival fund (theorika), which hinder military financing, while sharply criticizing contemporary demagogues who flatter the public and citizens who shirk responsibility. He contrasts the glorious achievements and civic devotion of their ancestors with the corruption of current leaders and the complacency of the populace. Ultimately, Demosthenes calls for a radical reform of the political system, urging citizens to cease relying on handouts and instead assume their individual roles and duties for the defense of the state.