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

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.

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

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

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.

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...

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.

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

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...

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things forbidden have a secret charm.

Things forbidden have a secret charm.

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.

Greater things are believed of those who are absent.

Greater things are believed of those who are absent.

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

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

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,...

He that fights and runs away, May turn and fight another day; But he that...

He that fights and runs away, May turn and fight another day; But he that...