To plunder, to slaughter, to steal, these things they misname empire; and where they make a wilderness, they call it peace.

Quote by Tacitus

Topics: Tacitus Quotes

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.

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.

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...

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

It belongs to human nature to hate those you have injured.

It belongs to human nature to hate those you have injured.

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.

A bad peace is even worse than war.

A bad peace is even worse than war.

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.

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greater things are believed of those who are absent.

Greater things are believed of those who are absent.

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

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

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.