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

Quote by Tacitus

Topics: Tacitus Quotes

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

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

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

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

A bad peace is even worse than war.

A bad peace is even worse than war.

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

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

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...

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...

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

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...

Things forbidden have a secret charm.

Things forbidden have a secret charm.

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

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

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.

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

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

Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.

Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.

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...

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.

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.