Who Was Demosthenes and What Can We Learn from Him?

One of my favorite quotes comes from a story about the Greek orator Demosthenes.  David Ogilvy used it in the opening of his book Ogilvy on Advertising. "When Aeschines spoke, they said, 'How well he speaks.' But when Demosthenes spoke, they said, 'Let us march against Philip.'"

I loved this quote because as an ad man I shared Ogilvy's view. It's not about getting praised for your creativity. Rather, it's about moving people to action.

So who was Demosthenes? 

Demosthenes lived in the fourth century BC. He was born in Athens in 384 BC. His father was a wealthy businessman, and his mother was the daughter of a politician. He was a bright kid, but he was also sickly and frail. While growing up he was bullied by his classmates and suffered from a speech impediment.

Despite these challenges, Demosthenes was determined to become a great orator. He studied the speeches of previous public speakers and statesmen, and he practiced his own s
peeches in front of a mirror. He also went so far as to walk along the beach giving speeches with a mouthful of pebbles in an effort to improve his enunciation.

"Let us march against Philip!"

The Philip in this quote was Philip of Macedon, a ruthless tyrant who had conquered much of Greece and was now threatening to invade Athens. In letters and speeches Demosthenes appealed to all Greeks to take the initiative and unite against Philip.

In a letter to Epicurus he wrote, I am writing to you because I believe that you can help me to unite Greece against Philip. You are a respected philosopher, and your words carry great weight. I urge you to use your influence to persuade the Greek states to unite against Philip.

The future of Greece hangs in the balance. If Philip is not stopped, he will conquer all of Greece, and our civilization will be destroyed. I urge you to help me to save Greece."

The stakes were high, so it was imperative for Greece to rise to the occasion.

The Takeaway

1) Demosthenes did not let his handicap or shortcomings hold him back. He had enough self-awareness to know that his speech impediment would have to be conquered if he were going to be an influential orator. He took the initiative and committed to doing whatever it would take to overcome this. What's been holding you back? What are you doing about it?

2) When Demosthenes spoke, his aim was to influence and move people to action. He was not speaking to garner praise for himself. Are you striving to make a difference or simply seeking attention (for your skills) and praise? 

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