Benefits received are a delight to us as long as we think we can requite them; when that possibility is far exceeded, they are repaid with hatred instead of gratitude.
TACITUSThe grove is the centre of their whole religion. It is regarded as the cradle of the race and the dwelling-place of the supreme god to whom all things are subject and obedient.
More Tacitus Quotes
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War will of itself discover and lay open the hidden and rankling wounds of the victorious party.
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Fear is not in the habit of speaking truth; when perfect sincerity is expected, perfect freedom must be allowed; nor has anyone who is apt to be angry when he hears the truth any cause to wonder that he does not hear it.
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In all things there is a kind of law of cycles. [Lat., Rebus cunctis inest quidam velut orbis.]
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This I regard as history’s highest function, to let no worthy action be uncommemorated, and to hold out the reprobation of posterity as a terror to evil words and deeds.
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Be assured those will be thy worst enemies, not to whom thou hast done evil, but who have done evil to thee. And those will be thy best friends, not to whom thou hast done good, but who have done good to thee.
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They make solitude, which they call peace.
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To show resentment at a reproach is to acknowledge that one may have deserved it.
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Things are not to be judged good or bad merely because the public think so.
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Seek to make a person blush for their guilt rather than shed their blood.
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Christianity is a pestilent superstition.
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All enterprises that are entered into with indiscreet zeal may be pursued with great vigor at first, but are sure to collapse in the end.
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We see many who are struggling against adversity who are happy, and more although abounding in wealth, who are wretched.
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Traitors are hated even by those whom they prefer.
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If we must fall, we should boldly meet our fate.
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Every recreant who proved his timidity in the hour of danger, was afterwards boldest in words and tongue.
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The wicked find it easier to coalesce for seditious purposes than for concord in peace.
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The worst crimes were dared by a few, willed by more and tolerated by all.
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An eminent reputation is as dangerous as a bad one.
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Nature gives liberty even to dumb animals.
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To plunder, to slaughter, to steal, these things they misname empire; and where they make a wilderness, they call it peace.
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Once killing starts, it is difficult to draw the line.
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The hatred of relatives is the most violent.
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Legions and fleets are not such sure bulwarks of imperial power as a numerous family
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[That form of] eloquence, the foster-child of licence, which fools call liberty. [Lat., Eloquentia, alumna licentiae, quam stulti libertatem vocabant.]
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That cannot be safe which is not honourable.
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Abuse if you slight it, will gradually die away; but if you show yourself irritated, you will be thought to have deserved it.
TACITUS