When Tarquin the Proud was asked what was the best mode of governing a conquered city, he replied only by beating down with his staff all the tallest poppies in his garden.
LIVYThis above all makes history useful and desirable; it unfolds before our eyes a glorious record of exemplary actions.
More Livy Quotes
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Under the influence of fear, which always leads men to take a pessimistic view of things, they magnified their enemies’ resources, and minimized their own.
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We survive on adversity and perish in ease and comfort.
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The most honorable, as well as the safest course, is to rely entirely upon valour.
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It is easier to criticize than to correct our past errors.
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Such is the nature of crowds: either they are humble and servile or arrogant and dominating. They are incapable of making moderate use of freedom, which is the middle course, or of keeping it.
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Shared danger is the strongest of bonds; it will keep men united in spite of mutual dislike and suspicion.
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This above all makes history useful and desirable; it unfolds before our eyes a glorious record of exemplary actions.
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Law is a thing which is insensible, and inexorable, more beneficial and more profitious to the weak than to the strong; it admits of no mitigation nor pardon, once you have overstepped its limits.
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The mind sins, not the body; if there is no intention, there is no blame.
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In war, mere appearances have had all the effect of realities; and that a person, under a firm persuasion that he can command resources, virtually has them; that very prospect inspiring him with hope and boldness in his exertions.
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Events of great consequence often spring from trifling circumstances.
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It is easy at any moment to resign the possession of a great fortune; to acquire it is difficult and arduous.
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Woe to the conquered.
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Dignity is a matter which concerns only mankind.
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Men are only clever at shifting blame from their own shoulders to those of others.
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