Tacitus Quotes
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Laws were most numerous when the commonwealth was most corrupt
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He that fights and runs away, May turn and fight another day; But he that is in battle slain, Will never rise to fight again.
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The more numerous the laws, the more corrupt the government.
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Augustus gradually increased his powers, taking over those of the senate, the executives and the laws. The aristocracy received wealth and position in proportion to their willingness to accept slavery. The state had been transformed, and the old Roman character gone for ever. Equality among citizens was completely abandoned. All now waited on the imperial command.
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The desire for glory clings even to the best men longer than any other passion.
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Adversity deprives us of our judgment.
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In the struggle between those seeking power there is no middle course.
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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.
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To show resentment at a reproach is to acknowledge that one may have deserved it.
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Modest fame is not to be despised by the highest characters. [Lat., Modestiae fama neque summis mortalibus spernenda est.]
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Posterity gives to every man his true honor. [Lat., Suum cuique decus posteritas rependet.]
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Christianity is a pestilent superstition.
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No hatred is so bitter as that of near relations.
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Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.
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Truth is confirmed by inspection and delay; falsehood by haste and uncertainty.
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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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So true is it that all transactions of preeminent importance are wrapt in doubt and obscurity; while some hold for certain facts the most precarious hearsays, others turn facts into falsehood; and both are exaggerated by posterity.
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Valor is of no service, chance rules all, and the bravest often fall by the hands of cowards.
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Men are more ready to repay an injury than a benefit, because gratitude is a burden and revenge a pleasure
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Even the bravest men are frightened by sudden terrors.
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The unknown always passes for the marvellous.
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The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.
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By general consent, he would have been capable of ruling, had he not ruled.
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A desire to resist oppression is implanted in the nature of man.
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It is not becoming to grieve immoderately for the dead.
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Power acquired by guilt was never used for a good purpose. [Lat., Imperium flagitio acquisitum nemo unquam bonis artibus exercuit.]
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The love of fame is a love that even the wisest of men are reluctant to forgo.
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Cruelty is fed, not weakened, by tears.
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The changeful change of circumstances. [Lat., Varia sors rerum.]
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We extol ancient things, regardless of our own times. [Lat., Vetera extollimus recentium incuriosi.]
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