When the state is most corrupt, then the laws are most multiplied.

Quote by Tacitus

Topics: Tacitus Quotes

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

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

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.

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...

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.

No one would have doubted his ability to reign had he never been emperor.

No one would have doubted his ability to reign had he never been emperor.

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.

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

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...

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.

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

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

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,...

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

To plunder, to slaughter, to steal, these things they misname empire; and where they make...

To plunder, to slaughter, to steal, these things they misname empire; and where they make...