Laws were most numerous when the commonwealth was most corrupt
TACITUSFear is not in the habit of speaking truth; when perfect sincerity is expected, perfect freedom must be allowed; nor has anyone who is apt to be angry when he hears the truth any cause to wonder that he does not hear it.
More Tacitus Quotes
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Posterity will pay everyone their due.
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In private enterprises men may advance or recede, whereas they who aim at empire have no alternative between the highest success and utter downfall.
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It is not becoming to grieve immoderately for the dead.
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A bad peace is even worse than war.
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The lust of fame is the last that a wise man shakes off.
TACITUS -
When the State is corrupt, then the laws are most multiplied.
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All those things that are now field to be of the greatest antiquity were at one time new; what we to-day hold up by example will rank hereafter as precedent.
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Secure against the designs of men, secure against the malignity of the Gods, they have accomplished a thing of infinite difficulty; that to them nothing remains even to be wished.
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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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People flatter us because they can depend upon our credulity.
TACITUS -
All things atrocious and shameless flock from all parts to Rome.
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Traitors are hated even by those whom they prefer.
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The brave and bold persist even against fortune; the timid and cowardly rush to despair though fear alone.
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Crime succeeds by sudden despatch; honest counsels gain vigor by delay.
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The changeful change of circumstances. [Lat., Varia sors rerum.]
TACITUS






