The principle office of history I take to be this: to prevent virtuous actions from being forgotten, and that evil words and deeds should fear an infamous reputation with posterity.

Quote by Publius Cornelius Tacitus

Topics: History Quotes

It is easier for a republican form of government to be applauded than realized.

It is easier for a republican form of government to be applauded than realized.

Reason and calm judgment: the qualities especially belonging to a leader.

Reason and calm judgment: the qualities especially belonging to a leader.

The hatred of those who are near to us is the most violent

The hatred of those who are near to us is the most violent

The gods are on the side of the stronger

The gods are on the side of the stronger

It is only necessary to make war with five things: with the maladies of the...

It is only necessary to make war with five things: with the maladies of the...

Love of fame is the last thing even learned men can bear to be parted...

Love of fame is the last thing even learned men can bear to be parted...

Candor and generosity, unless tempered by due moderation, lead to ruin

Candor and generosity, unless tempered by due moderation, lead 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

The more corrupt the state, the more laws.

The more corrupt the state, the more laws.

Rumor is not always wrong

Rumor is not always wrong

Be assured those will be thy worst enemies, not to whom thou hast done evil,...

Be assured those will be thy worst enemies, not to whom thou hast done evil,...

He had talents equal to business, and aspired no higher

He had talents equal to business, and aspired no higher

Fear is not in the habit of speaking truth; when perfect sincerity is expected, perfect...

Fear is not in the habit of speaking truth; when perfect sincerity is expected, perfect...

Fear is not in the habit of speaking truth; when perfect sincerity is expected, perfect...

Fear is not in the habit of speaking truth; when perfect sincerity is expected, perfect...

Forbidden things have a secret charm

Forbidden things have a secret charm

The repose of nations cannot be secure without arms, armies cannot be maintained without pay,...

The repose of nations cannot be secure without arms, armies cannot be maintained without pay,...

We are corrupted by prosperity

We are corrupted by prosperity

Even the bravest men are frightened by sudden terrors.

Even the bravest men are frightened by sudden terrors.

He that lives to forever, never fears dying

He that lives to forever, never fears dying

If you fear making anyone mad, then you ultimately probe for the lowest common denominator...

If you fear making anyone mad, then you ultimately probe for the lowest common denominator...