When the state is most corrupt, then the laws are most multiplied.

Quote by Tacitus

Topics: Tacitus Quotes

In a state where corruption abounds, laws must be very numerous.

In a state where corruption abounds, laws must be very numerous.

Candor and generosity, unless tempered by due moderation, leads to ruin.

Candor and generosity, unless tempered by due moderation, leads to ruin.

Valor is of no service, chance rules all, and the bravest often fall by the...

Valor is of no service, chance rules all, and the bravest often fall by the...

Abuse if you slight it, will gradually die away; but if you show yourself irritated,...

Abuse if you slight it, will gradually die away; but if you show yourself irritated,...

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.

The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.

Prosperity is the measure or touchstone of virtue, for it is less difficult to bear...

Prosperity is the measure or touchstone of virtue, for it is less difficult to bear...

All enterprises that are entered into with indiscreet zeal may be pursued with great vigor...

All enterprises that are entered into with indiscreet zeal may be pursued with great vigor...

Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.

Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.

The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.

The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.

Greater things are believed of those who are absent.

Greater things are believed of those who are absent.

A shocking crime was committed on the unscrupulous initiative of few individuals, with the blessing...

A shocking crime was committed on the unscrupulous initiative of few individuals, with the blessing...

Those in supreme power always suspect and hate their next heir.

Those in supreme power always suspect and hate their next heir.

Noble character is best appreciated in those ages in which it can most readily develop.

Noble character is best appreciated in those ages in which it can most readily develop.

Old things are always in good repute, present things in disfavor.

Old things are always in good repute, present things in disfavor.

All things atrocious and shameless flock from all parts to Rome.

All things atrocious and shameless flock from all parts to Rome.

It is less difficult to bear misfortunes than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.

It is less difficult to bear misfortunes than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.

It belongs to human nature to hate those you have injured.

It belongs to human nature to hate those you have injured.

A desire to resist oppression is implanted in the nature of man.

A desire to resist oppression is implanted in the nature of man.

A bad peace is even worse than war.

A bad peace is even worse than war.