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 human nature to hate the man whom you have hurt.

It is human nature to hate the man whom you have hurt.

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,...

Greater things are believed of those who are absent.

Greater things are believed of those who are absent.

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

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.

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.

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...

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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...

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

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

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

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

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...

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...