Skip to content

I'll betide thee, say I, and may the Gods, or at least the…

“I'll betide thee, say I, and may the Gods, or at least the Athenians, confound thee for a vile citizen and a vile third-rate actor! Read the evidence.” quote by Demosthenes
Download Open image
““I'll betide thee, say I, and may the Gods, or at least the Athenians, confound thee for a vile citizen and a vile third-rate actor! Read the evidence.””

Demosthenes

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Accusing a citizen of low status and poor acting undermines credibility.

In simple terms: Insults damage reputation.

Key Takeaway

Avoid baseless accusations.

Themes

reputation politics oratory

Mood

critical historical

Type

oratory political

When to use this quote

  • political debate
  • legal defense
  • public speaking
  • media criticism

Key Concepts

rhetoric law

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do accusations affect credibility?
  • When is criticism justified?
A Different Perspective

Such attacks can backfire and erode trust.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Demosthenes

Explore all 59 Demosthenes quotes

More Historical quotes

Browse all 2,476 Historical quotes