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

Quote by Tacitus

Topics: Tacitus Quotes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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 a woman has lost her chastity she will shrink from nothing.

When a woman has lost her chastity she will shrink from nothing.

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

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

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

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

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...

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 bad peace is even worse than war.

A bad peace is even worse than war.

Things forbidden have a secret charm.

Things forbidden have a secret charm.

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

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

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

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.

We see many who are struggling against adversity who are happy, and more although abounding...

We see many who are struggling against adversity who are happy, and more although abounding...

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.

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

Custom adapts itself to expediency.