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

Quote by Tacitus

Topics: Tacitus Quotes

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

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.

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

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

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,...

Old things are always in good repute, present things in disfavor.

Old things are always in good repute, present things in disfavor.

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.

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

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

He that fights and runs away, May turn and fight another day; But he that...

He that fights and runs away, May turn and fight another day; But he that...

Valor is of no service, chance rules all, and the bravest often fall by the...

Valor is of no service, chance rules all, and the bravest often fall by the...

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

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

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.

Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.

Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.

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.

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

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