Portrait of Demosthenes, Athenian Statesman

Demosthenes was a prominent Greek statesman and orator of ancient Athens. His orations constitute a significant expression of contemporary Athenian intellectual prowess and provide an insight into the politics and culture of ancient Greece during the 4th century BC. Demosthenes learned rhetoric by studying the speeches of previous great orators. He delivered his first judicial speeches at the age of 20, in which he argued effectively to gain from his guardians what was left of his inheritance. For a time, Demosthenes made his living as a professional speech-writer (logographer) and a lawyer, writing speeches for use in private legal suits.德摩斯梯尼（Demosthenes）是古希腊雅典极具影响力的政治家与演说家。他的演说作品集中展现了彼时雅典的学术才智，也为人们洞悉公元前4世纪古希腊的政治与文化生态提供了重要窗口。德摩斯梯尼通过研习前代伟大演说家的演讲文稿来修习修辞技艺。20岁时，他发表了首场司法演说，在演说中有力地主张从监护人手中索回属于自己的剩余遗产。曾有一段时期，德摩斯梯尼以职业演说撰稿人（logographer）与律师为业，为私人法律诉讼撰写专用演说辞。