Tacitus quotes - page 3

Tacitus was a Roman historian and senator, renowned for his critical accounts of the Roman Empire. His major works, including the "Annals" and the "Histories," provide invaluable insights into the politics and society of his time. He is considered one of the greatest classical historians for his analytical style and keen observations. Here are 90 of his quotes:

No one would have doubted his ability to reign had he never been emperor.

Tacitus

Abuse if you slight it, will gradually die away; but if you show yourself irritated, you will be thought to have deserved it.

Tacitus

Candor and generosity, unless tempered by due moderation, leads to ruin.

Tacitus

All things atrocious and shameless flock from all parts to Rome.

Tacitus

To show resentment at a reproach is to acknowledge that one may have deserved it.

Tacitus

Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.

Tacitus

A desire to resist oppression is implanted in the nature of man.

Tacitus

When the state is most corrupt, then the laws are most multiplied.

Tacitus

Noble character is best appreciated in those ages in which it can most readily develop.

Tacitus

It is less difficult to bear misfortunes than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.

Tacitus

We see many who are struggling against adversity who are happy, and more although abounding in wealth, who are wretched.

Tacitus

Many who seem to be struggling with adversity are happy; many, amid great affluence, are utterly miserable.

Tacitus

Those in supreme power always suspect and hate their next heir.

Tacitus

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

Tacitus

Think of your forefathers and posterity.

Tacitus

Thou wast indeed fortunate, Agricola, not only in the splendour of thy life, but in the opportune moment of thy death.

Tacitus

However the marriage is there severe.

Tacitus

...good habits are here more effectual than good laws elsewhere.

Tacitus

The histories of Tiberius, Caius, Claudius, and Nero, while they were in power, were falsified through terror, and after their death were written under the irritation of a recent hatred. Hence my purpose is to relate a few facts about Augustus - more particularly his last acts, then the reign of Tiberius, and all which follows, without either bitterness or partiality, from any motives to which I am far removed.

Tacitus

Lust of absolute power is more burning than all the passions.

Tacitus

When men of talents are punished, authority is strengthened.

Tacitus

There is a division of duties between the army and its generals. Eagerness for battle becomes the soldiers, but generals serve the cause by forethought, by counsel, by delay oftener than by temerity. As I promoted your victory to the utmost of my power by my sword and by my personal exertions, so now I must help you by prudence and by counsel, the qualities which belong peculiarly to a general.

Tacitus