It is of eloquence as of a flame; it requires matter to feed it, and motion to excite it; and it brightens as it burns.
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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Noble character is best appreciated in those ages in which it can most readily develop.
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Once killing starts, it is difficult to draw the line.
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If we must fall, we should boldly meet our fate.
TACITUS -
It is the nature of the human disposition to hate him whom you have injured.
TACITUS -
To plunder, to slaughter, to steal, these things they misname empire; and where they make a wilderness, they call it peace.
TACITUS -
The repose of nations cannot be secure without arms, armies cannot be maintained without pay, nor can the pay be produced without taxes
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Custom adapts itself to expediency.
TACITUS -
Greater things are believed of those who are absent.
TACITUS -
Power won by crime no one ever yet turned to a good purpose.
TACITUS -
Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.
TACITUS -
A bitter jest, when it comes too near the truth, leaves a sharp sting behind it.
TACITUS -
The love of fame is a love that even the wisest of men are reluctant to forgo.
TACITUS -
Legions and fleets are not such sure bulwarks of imperial power as a numerous family
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More faults are often committed while we are trying to oblige than while we are giving offense.
TACITUS -
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