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

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,...

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...

Rumor is not always wrong

Rumor is not always wrong

The gods are on the side of the stronger

The gods are on the side of the stronger

There will be vice as long as there are men

There will be vice as long as there are men

Even the bravest men are frightened by sudden terrors.

Even the bravest men are frightened by sudden terrors.

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

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

One who is allowed to sin, sins less

One who is allowed to sin, sins less

We are corrupted by prosperity

We are corrupted by prosperity

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

Forbidden things have a secret charm

Forbidden things have a secret charm

He had talents equal to business, and aspired no higher

He had talents equal to business, and aspired no higher

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

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

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,...

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...

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...

Custom adapts itself to expediency

Custom adapts itself to expediency

More faults are often committed while we are trying to oblige than while we are...

More faults are often committed while we are trying to oblige than while we are...

The greatest of faults, I should say, is to be conscious of none.

The greatest of faults, I should say, is to be conscious of none.

It is to see the faults of others, but difficult to see once own faults....

It is to see the faults of others, but difficult to see once own faults....