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.
TACITUSTo show resentment at a reproach is to acknowledge that one may have deserved it.
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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No one in Germany laughs at vice, nor do they call it the fashion to corrupt and to be corrupted.
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More faults are often committed while we are trying to oblige than while we are giving offense.
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All inconsiderate enterprises are impetuous at first, but soon lanquish. [Lat., Omnia inconsulti impetus coepta, initiis valida, spatio languescunt.]
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It belongs to human nature to hate those you have injured.
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Formerly we suffered from crimes; now we suffer from laws.
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That cannot be safe which is not honourable.
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Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.
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No hatred is so bitter as that of near relations.
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The worst crimes were dared by a few, willed by more and tolerated by all.
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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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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.
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Noble character is best appreciated in those ages in which it can most readily develop.
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There are odious virtues; such as inflexible severity, and an integrity that accepts of no favor.
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The brave and bold persist even against fortune; the timid and cowardly rush to despair through fear alone. [Lat., Fortes et strenuos etiam contra fortunam insistere, timidos et ignoros ad desperationem formidine properare.]
TACITUS