Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.
DemosthenesRead
The readiest and surest way to get rid of censure, is to correct ourselves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-improvement is the best response to criticism.
This quote by Demosthenes highlights the importance of taking personal responsibility for our actions and behaviors. Rather than being defensive or reacting to criticism, the most effective way to deal with censure from others is to reflect on ourselves and make necessary corrections to improve our character and actions. This approach fosters growth and cultivates a more positive response to external judgments.
Themes
Self-ImprovementCriticismResponsibilityGrowthReflection
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of accepting feedback and working on personal growth.
More from Demosthenes
All quotes βYou 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.
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Beware lest in your anxiety to avoid war you obtain a master
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Success has a great tendency to conceal and throw a veil over the evil deeds of men.
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A man is his own easiest dupe, for what he wishes to be true he generally believes to be true.
DemosthenesRead
Nothing is so easy as to deceive oneself; for what we wish, we readily believe.
DemosthenesRead
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Endeavor to be always patient of the faults and imperfections of others; for thou hast many faults and imperfections of thine own that require forbearance. If thou art not able to make thyself that which thou wishest, how canst thou expect to mold another in conformity to thy will?
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... with men it's rush, rush, rush, every minute. I'm glad I'm a sedentary spider." "What does sedentary mean?" asked Wilbur. "Means I sit still a good part of the time and don't go wandering all over creation. I know a good thing when I see it, and my web is a good thing. I stay put and wait for what comes. Gives me a chance to think.
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