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

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

Greater things are believed of those who are absent.

Greater things are believed of those who are absent.

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...

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

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

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

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

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.

Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.

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

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

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

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

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...