A shocking crime was committed on the unscrupulous initiative of few individuals, with the blessing of more, and amid the passive acquiescence of all.

Quote by Tacitus

Topics: Tacitus Quotes

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...

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.

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

Things forbidden have a secret charm.

Things forbidden have a secret charm.

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

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

When men are full of envy they disparage everything, whether it be good or bad.

When men are full of envy they disparage everything, whether it be good or bad.

No one would have doubted his ability to reign had he never been emperor.

No one would have doubted his ability to reign had he never been emperor.

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.

Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.

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.

To show resentment at a reproach is to acknowledge that one may have deserved it.

To show resentment at a reproach is to acknowledge that one may have deserved it.

To plunder, to slaughter, to steal, these things they misname empire; and where they make...

To plunder, to slaughter, to steal, these things they misname empire; and where they make...

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

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

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

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

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.

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...

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,...

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

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

Many who seem to be struggling with adversity are happy; many, amid great affluence, are...

Many who seem to be struggling with adversity are happy; many, amid great affluence, are...