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.
TACITUSAll enterprises that are entered into with indiscreet zeal may be pursued with great vigor at first, but are sure to collapse in the end.
More Tacitus Quotes
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In seasons of tumult and discord bad men have most power; mental and moral excellence require peace and quietness.
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Posterity will pay everyone their due.
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No one in Germany laughs at vice, nor do they call it the fashion to corrupt and to be corrupted.
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Bodies are slow of growth, but are rapid in their dissolution. [Lat., Corpora lente augescent, cito extinguuntur.]
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Conspicuous by his absence.
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They make solitude, which they call peace.
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[The Jews have] an attitude of hostility and hatred towards all others.
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The repose of nations cannot be secure without arms, armies cannot be maintained without pay, nor can the pay be produced without taxes
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No hatred is so bitter as that of near relations.
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The hatred of those who are near to us is most violent.
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When the State is corrupt, then the laws are most multiplied.
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In the struggle between those seeking power there is no middle course.
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Forethought and prudence are the proper qualities of a leader. [Lat., Ratio et consilium, propriae ducis artes.]
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The worst crimes were dared by a few, willed by more and tolerated by all.
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He that fights and runs away, May turn and fight another day; But he that is in battle slain, Will never rise to fight again.
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Viewed from a distance, everything is beautiful.
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Lust of power is the most flagrant of all the passions.
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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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It belongs to human nature to hate those you have injured.
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Flatterers are the worst kind of enemies. [Lat., Pessimum genus inimicorum laudantes.]
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Modest fame is not to be despised by the highest characters. [Lat., Modestiae fama neque summis mortalibus spernenda est.]
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The unknown always passes for the marvellous.
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It is found by experience that admirable laws and right precedents among the good have their origin in the misdeeds of others.
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A cowardly populace which will dare nothing beyond talk.
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To show resentment at a reproach is to acknowledge that one may have deserved it.
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One who is allowed to sin, sins less
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