Publius Tacitus Quotations

Love of fame is the last thing even the wise give up

Necessity reforms the poor, and satiety the rich

If we must fall, we should boldly meet the danger.

He had talents equal to business, and aspired no higher

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

It is human nature to hate those whom you have injured

It is a weakness of your human nature to hate those whom you have wronged.

Reason and calm judgment: the qualities especially belonging to a leader.

We bear a grudge against the people we've done down

When monarchs through their bloodthirsty commanders lay waste a country, they dignify their atrocity by calling it "Making Peace

The principle office of history I take to be this: to prevent virtuous actions from being forgotten, and that evil words and deeds should fear an infamous reputation with posterity.

Bitter the jest when satire comes too near truth and leaves a sharp sting behind it

There will be vice as long as there are men

The more corrupt the state, the more laws.

They (the Romans) make a desert, and they call it peace

They make a wilderness and call it peace.

Forethought and prudence are the proper qualities of a leader.

They made a wasteland and called it peace

In times of tumult and discord bad men have the most power; mental and moral excellence require peace and quiteness.

In seasons of tumult and discord bad men have the most power; mental and moral excellence require peace and quietness.

Candor and generosity, unless tempered by due moderation, lead to ruin

The hatred of those who are near to us is the most violent

The desire for fame is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise