Color Version 60 Speeches That Will Influence Middle School Students' Lives

Author: Lincoln, Wen Yiduo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: On the Greatness of Athens
We rejoice in having such a government. We do not envy the laws of our neighbors, for our government is the model for other nations and is the unique creation of Athens. This government is called democracy. It is not for the few but for all the people. Regardless of ability, everyone enjoys equal protection under the law and the right to achieve fame and hold public office is not the privilege of any family but of the worthy. Poverty is no obstacle. Anyone who serves the fatherland can rise from obscurity to prominence without hindrance. We move freely from one position to another; we share intimate daily lives without restraint; we are neither troubled by the independence of our neighbors nor do we show a gloomy expression—such would be unbecoming and of no use. Thus, we are free and benevolent in our dealings with others, yet we dare not offend the public interest for any reason, for we follow the courts and the law, especially those that protect the victims, as well as those unwritten laws that bring shame upon violation. Additionally, to cultivate the body and mind, our laws prescribe frequent holidays. The Panathenaic Games and religious festivals continue throughout the year, displaying magnificent spectacles and joyous atmospheres that dispel sorrow. The greatness of our Athens attracts products from all corners of the world. These exquisite goods, like those produced domestically, bring familiar delight to the Athenians. In military policy, we also surpass our enemies, for our approach differs entirely from theirs. Athens is open to the world. We are not concerned that our secrets, which we never hide, will be discovered by our enemies and cause us loss, nor do we expel foreigners who come seeking progress and novelty on the grounds of their curiosity. Compared to others, we rely less on military preparation and strategy and more on the natural patriotic fervor and actions of our citizens. In education, while some nations subject their children to harsh training from a young age to endure labor in adulthood, the life of the Athenians, though refined, enables them to face any military danger with equal courage. In lifestyle, we are both cultured and frugal, nurturing philosophy without weakening thought. We demonstrate our wealth through generosity rather than self-praise, and we acknowledge that poverty is no shame, but being unable to overcome it is indeed disgraceful. We are concerned with both personal affairs and national matters; even those busy with daily life possess sufficient capacity to participate in politics. For only the Athenians believe that failing to engage in public affairs marks mediocrity, not just laziness. We make accurate judgments and excel at identifying hidden dangers. We do not believe that words hinder action but that we should not act rashly without debate and thorough preparation. This is the distinctive virtue of the Athenians: we act with courage but debate the pros and cons of measures before acting. Some derive courage from ignorance, but after careful consideration, they become cowards. There is no doubt that only those who deeply understand the horrors of war and the sweetness of peace and remain fearless in the face of danger truly possess a great soul. In acts of kindness, we also differ from many other nations. We do not maintain friendship through promises but through obligations. According to the principle of gratitude, the benefactor holds an advantage over the beneficiary; the latter, owing a debt, must play a comparatively dull role, viewing repayment as a mere obligation rather than a duty. Only the Athenians are extremely generous, not for personal gain but purely out of kindness. To summarize what remains unsaid, I would add only this: Athens, as a whole, is the school of Greece, and each of us possesses perfect qualities, qualified to engage in every aspect of a vibrant life, with graceful conduct and swift efficiency. As for you, the survivors, you may pray for better fortunes, but you should also take upon yourselves to preserve this spirit of heroic resistance and passion. Do not judge the merits of this by mere rhetoric, for every talker can recite well-known truths and the benefits of courageous defense. You must keep in mind the ever-growing prosperity of your fatherland and be captivated by it. Only when you truly grasp the greatness of Athens should you reflect that its greatness was forged by steadfast warriors who knew their duty and always acted with honor in battle. When their efforts failed, they served their fatherland with unwavering courage, viewing it as no disgrace and making the highest sacrifices. Thus, they died for their country. Each of them will be remembered for eternity. Their graves will shine forever, not only as resting places for the noble but also as monuments to their names. Whenever honor or the practice of honor is mentioned, people will think of them, and they will live in eternal glory.