When the State is corrupt, then the laws are most multiplied.
TACITUSIt is common, to esteem most what is most unknown.
More Tacitus Quotes
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Traitors are hated even by those whom they prefer.
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No hatred is so bitter as that of near relations.
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In the struggle between those seeking power there is no middle course.
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Flatterers are the worst kind of enemies. [Lat., Pessimum genus inimicorum laudantes.]
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Deos fortioribus adesse. The gods support those who are stronger.
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Cassius and Brutus were the more distinguished for that very circumstance that their portraits were absent.
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It is more reverent to believe in the works of the Deity than to comprehend them.
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A man in power, once becoming obnoxious, his acts, good or bad, will work out his ruin.
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We extol ancient things, regardless of our own times. [Lat., Vetera extollimus recentium incuriosi.]
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[That form of] eloquence, the foster-child of licence, which fools call liberty. [Lat., Eloquentia, alumna licentiae, quam stulti libertatem vocabant.]
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So obscure are the greatest events, as some take for granted any hearsay, whatever its source, others turn truth into falsehood, and both errors find encouragement with posterity.
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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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All inconsiderate enterprises are impetuous at first, but soon lanquish. [Lat., Omnia inconsulti impetus coepta, initiis valida, spatio languescunt.]
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Reason and calm judgment, the qualities specially belonging to a leader.
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Rumor does not always err; it sometimes even elects a man.
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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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Great empires are not maintained by timidity.
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Be assured those will be thy worst enemies, not to whom thou hast done evil, but who have done evil to thee. And those will be thy best friends, not to whom thou hast done good, but who have done good to thee.
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That cannot be safe which is not honourable.
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Solitudinem faciunt pacem appellant. They make a wilderness and they call it peace.
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The lust of fame is the last that a wise man shakes off.
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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.]
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The task of history is to hold out for reprobation every evil word and deed, and to hold out for praise every great and noble word and deed.
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Legions and fleets are not such sure bulwarks of imperial power as a numerous family
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Zealous in the commencement, careless in the end.
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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