The Orator - 3

Ages 50 to 59

When Demosthenes was 54 was honored by his admirers, with a proposal by to give him a gold crown. Aeschines then brought suit of impropriety. In a moving speech, Demosthenes defended his own career and attacked Aeschines of being an agent of the Macedonians. The verdict was soundly in favor of Demosthenes and Aeschines was obliged to go into exile.

Ages 60 to death at 64

The final years of Demosthenes were not his best.

Convicted

In 324 BC, at the age of 60, Demosthenes was convicted in complex and obscure affair involving money taken by one of the lieutenants of Alexander the Great. He was forced to flee from prison and go into exile.

The following year Alexander died. The Athenians recalled Demosthenes from exile and provided money to pay his fine so he could help throw out the Macedonians. They also rose up against supporters of Alexander, including great philosopher and scientist Aristotle, whom they convicted to death.

Sentenced

For the next several years Demosthenes spoke out against Alexander's successor, Antipater. But his efforts to overthrow the new leader failed. To protect the city from the wrath of Antipater, Demosthenes' former friends persuaded the Athenians to sentence to him death.

Death

Death of Demosthenes

In 320 BC, at age 64, Demosthenes fled the city and was pursued by Antipater's soldiers. He then killed himself by taking poison before he could be captured.

Epilogue

When we think about his early life and his hard work to overcome his weakness such as stammer we will be clear with one thing i.e. hard work makes every thing possible and when we observed his successful career as an orator we can get with some important points to remember i.e. dedication, love and sincerity towards the work will get you to heights.

As a final point of this post I would like to say one thing to you that is worth remembering ‘The word is mightier than the sword’