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

Quote by Tacitus

Topics: Tacitus Quotes

A bad peace is even worse than war.

A bad peace is even worse than war.

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...

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.

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

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...

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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...

Things forbidden have a secret charm.

Things forbidden have a secret charm.

Only actions give life strength; only moderation gives it charm.

Only actions give life strength; only moderation gives it charm.

There is a sort of charm in ugliness, if the person has some redeeming qualities...

There is a sort of charm in ugliness, if the person has some redeeming qualities...