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

Quote by Tacitus

Topics: Tacitus Quotes

Greater things are believed of those who are absent.

Greater things are believed of those who are absent.

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

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

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

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

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...

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

A bad peace is even worse than war.

A bad peace is even worse than war.

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...

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Things forbidden have a secret charm.

Things forbidden have a secret charm.

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...

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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