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A Greek statesman and orator of ancient [[Athens]] who lived from 384 to 322 BC.

A Greek statesman and orator of ancient [[Athens]] who lived from 384 to 322 BC.

As a young man, Demosthenes had very weak lungs and could not speak loudly or clearly. However, he did not let this defeat him; to improve his voice, Demosthenes would go to the ocean, fill his mouth with pebbles, and practice speaking loudly enough for his voice to be heard over the waves. He went on to give powerful political speeches--known as the “Phillipics”--against [[Philip II]] of [[Macedon]], once causing the crowd to shout, “Let us take up arms and march!” In spite of this, Philip completely conquered the Greeks in 338 BC at the battle of Chaeronea. Demosthenes’ life later ended in failure when an Athenian revolt against Macedon was unsuccessful.

As a young man, Demosthenes had very weak lungs and could not speak loudly or clearly. However, he did not let this defeat him; to improve his voice, Demosthenes would go to the ocean, fill his mouth with pebbles, and practice speaking loudly enough for his voice to be heard over the waves. He went on to give powerful political speeches--known as the “Phillipics”--against [[Philip II of Macedon]], once causing the crowd to shout, “Let us take up arms and march!” In spite of this, Philip completely conquered the Greeks in 338 BC at the battle of Chaeronea. Demosthenes’ life later ended in failure when an Athenian revolt against Macedon was unsuccessful.