The principal office of history I take to be this: to prevent virtuous actions from being forgotten, and that evil words and deeds should fear an infamous reputation with posterity.
TACITUSThe 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.]
More Tacitus Quotes
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Keen at the start, but careless at the end.
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It is a part of the nature of man to resist compulsion.
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A shocking crime was committed on the unscrupulous initiative of few individuals, with the blessing of more, and amid the passive acquiescence of all.
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To rob, to ravage, to murder, in their imposing language, are the arts of civil policy. When they have made the world a solitude, they call it peace.
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Crime succeeds by sudden despatch; honest counsels gain vigor by delay.
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Zealous in the commencement, careless in the end.
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It is not becoming to grieve immoderately for the dead.
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Even the bravest men are frightened by sudden terrors.
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It is less difficult to bear misfortunes than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.
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The 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.
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Adversity deprives us of our judgment.
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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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When men of talents are punished, authority is strengthened. [Lat., Punitis ingeniis, gliscit auctoritas.]
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Nature gives liberty even to dumb animals.
TACITUS