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

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...

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,...

Greater things are believed of those who are absent.

Greater things are believed of those who are absent.

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.

Things forbidden have a secret charm.

Things forbidden have a secret charm.

A bad peace is even worse than war.

A bad peace is even worse than war.

Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.

Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

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...

When a woman has lost her chastity she will shrink from nothing.

When a woman has lost her chastity she will shrink from nothing.

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

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

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

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

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...

Many who seem to be struggling with adversity are happy; many, amid great affluence, are...

Many who seem to be struggling with adversity are happy; many, amid great affluence, are...

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

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

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

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

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...

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.

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

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