Tacitus Quotes

It is a part of the nature of man to resist compulsion.

Every recreant who proved his timidity in the hour of danger, was afterwards boldest in words and tongue.

The love of fame is the last weakness which even the wise resign.

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

The changeful change of circumstances. [Lat., Varia sors rerum.]

Even for learned men, love of fame is the last thing to be given up.

Even honor and virtue make enemies, condemning, as they do, their opposites by too close a contrast.

Following Emporer Nero’s command, “Let the Christians be exterminated!:” . . . they [the Christians] were made the subjects of sport; they were covered with the hides of wild beasts and worried to death by dogs, or nailed to crosses or set fire to, and when the day waned, burned to serve for the evening lights.

We see many who are struggling against adversity who are happy, and more although abounding in wealth, who are wretched.

There can never be a complete confidence in a power which is excessive.