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

The more corrupt the state, the more laws.

The more corrupt the state, the more laws.

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.

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...

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.

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...

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

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

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,...

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...

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,...

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

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...

Forbidden things have a secret charm

Forbidden things have a secret charm

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 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,...

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

Custom adapts itself to expediency

Custom adapts itself to expediency

Custom is the great guide to human life

Custom is the great guide to human life

We do everything by custom, even believe by it; our very axioms, let us boast...

We do everything by custom, even believe by it; our very axioms, let us boast...