[52]
Again, even if you are better than the common run of men,1 do not seek
to be superior in no respect to the talented remainder, but deem it the highest
purpose to be first among all, and that it is more to your advantage to be seen
striving for this than merely being foremost among the rank and file. And do not
bring shame upon your natural gifts or cause to be cheated of their hopes those
who are proud of you, but endeavor by your own ability to surpass the desires of
those who have your interests most at heart.
1 Isoc. 9.81 begins with similar words, as Blass notes: “nor must you be content if you are already superiors to those who are here present . . .”
Demosthenes. Demosthenes with an English translation by Norman W. DeWitt, Ph.D., and Norman J. DeWitt, Ph.D. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1949.
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