60 Speeches That Will Influence a Middle School Student's Life (Color Illustrations)

Author: Lincoln, Wen Yiduo / Country: Mainland China
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 because 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 gain fame and hold public office is not the privilege of any family but belongs to 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 or indifferent demeanor—such attitudes harm harmony but serve no purpose. Thus, we interact freely and kindly with others while refraining from offending 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 transgression. Additionally, to cultivate the body and mind, our laws prescribe frequent holidays. Panathenaic festivals and sacrifices are held year-round, displaying magnificent scenes and joyful atmospheres that dispel sorrow.
The greatness of our Athens has drawn 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 do not fear that enemies will discover our secrets, which we never hide, and thus suffer loss, nor do we expel foreigners who come seeking progress or novelty under the guise of this reason. Compared to others, we rely less on military preparation and strategy and more on the innate 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, acknowledging that poverty is no shame but inability to overcome it is indeed disgraceful. We care for both personal matters and national affairs; 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 think that words hinder action but that we should not act rashly without debate and thorough preparation. This is the distinguishing 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 deep reflection, they become cowards. Without a doubt, only those who fully understand the horrors of war and the sweetness of peace and remain undaunted in crisis truly possess a great soul.
We also differ from many nations in our acts of kindness. We do not maintain friendship through promises but through obligations. Gratitude naturally gives the benefactor an advantage over the recipient, who, owing a debt, must play a less interesting 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 conclude what remains unsaid, I would add only this: Athens is, in essence, the school of Greece, and each of us possesses the perfect qualities 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 fortune, but you must also take upon yourselves to preserve this spirit of heroic resistance and passion. Do not judge the merits of this course solely by words, for every talker can recite well-known truths and the benefits of courageous defense. You must keep the growing might of your fatherland in your hearts and be captivated by it. Only when you truly grasp the greatness of Athens should you ask yourselves: the greatness of Athens was forged by steadfast warriors who knew their duty and carried honor in battle at all times. When their efforts failed and they needed to serve their fatherland with unwavering courage, they did not consider it shame but made the highest sacrifice. Thus, they died for their country. Each of them will be remembered for eternity. Their tombs will shine forever, not only as resting places for the heroic but also as monuments to their names. Whenever honor or the practice of honor is discussed, their names will be mentioned, and they will live forever.
P10-13