They terrify lest they should fear.
TACITUSA shocking crime was committed on the unscrupulous initiative of few individuals, with the blessing of more, and amid the passive acquiescence of all.
More Tacitus Quotes
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Men are more ready to repay an injury than a benefit, because gratitude is a burden and revenge a pleasure.
TACITUS -
Keen at the start, but careless at the end.
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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.
TACITUS -
Posterity will pay everyone their due.
TACITUS -
The sciences throw an inexpressible grace over our compositions, even where they are not immediately concerned; as their effects are discernible where we least expect to find them.
TACITUS -
Kindness, so far as we can return it, is agreeable.
TACITUS -
We extol ancient things, regardless of our own times. [Lat., Vetera extollimus recentium incuriosi.]
TACITUS -
A desire to resist oppression is implanted in the nature of man.
TACITUS -
In stirring up tumult and strife, the worst men can do the most, but peace and quiet cannot be established without virtue.
TACITUS -
A woman once fallen will shrink from no impropriety.
TACITUS -
Flatterers are the worst kind of enemies. [Lat., Pessimum genus inimicorum laudantes.]
TACITUS -
A cowardly populace which will dare nothing beyond talk.
TACITUS -
They make solitude, which they call peace.
TACITUS -
By punishing men of talent we confirm their authority.
TACITUS -
The love of fame is the last weakness which even the wise resign.
TACITUS