Tacitus

It is human to hate those whom we have injured.

— Tacitus

It is more reverent to believe in the works of the Deity than to comprehend them.

— Tacitus

Liberty is given by nature even to mute animals.

— Tacitus

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

— Tacitus

In a state where corruption abounds, laws must be very numerous.

— Tacitus

No hatred is so bitter as that of near relations.

— Tacitus

When a woman has lost her chastity she will shrink from nothing.

— Tacitus

A man in power, once becoming obnoxious, his acts, good or bad, will work out his ruin.

— Tacitus

Every recreant who proved his timidity in the hour of danger, was afterwards boldest in words and tongue.

— Tacitus

Forethought and prudence are the proper qualities of a leader. [Lat., Ratio et consilium, propriae ducis artes.]

— Tacitus

All inconsiderate enterprises are impetuous at first, but soon lanquish. [Lat., Omnia inconsulti impetus coepta, initiis valida, spatio languescunt.]

— Tacitus

The grove is the centre of their whole religion. It is regarded as the cradle of the race and the dwelling-place of…

— Tacitus

The task of history is to hold out for reprobation every evil word and deed, and to hold out for praise every…

— Tacitus

The word liberty has been falsely used by persons who, being degenerately profligate in private life, and mischievous in public, had no…

— Tacitus

Bodies are slow of growth, but are rapid in their dissolution. [Lat., Corpora lente augescent, cito extinguuntur.]

— Tacitus

It is always easier to requite an injury than a service: gratitude is a burden, but revenge is found to pay.

— Tacitus

It is a part of the nature of man to resist compulsion.

— Tacitus

“This is an unfair thing about war: victory is claimed by all, failure to one alone.”

— Tacitus

It is common, to esteem most what is most unknown.

— Tacitus

Solitudinem faciunt pacem appellant. They make a wilderness and they call it peace.

— Tacitus

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

— Tacitus

By general consent, he would have been capable of ruling, had he not ruled.

— Tacitus

The changeful change of circumstances. [Lat., Varia sors rerum.]

— Tacitus

Falsehood avails itself of haste and uncertainty.

— Tacitus

There can never be a complete confidence in a power which is excessive.

— Tacitus

The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.

— Tacitus

The persecution of genius fosters its influence.

— Tacitus

Truth is confirmed by inspection and delay; falsehood by haste and uncertainty.

— Tacitus

Reason and calm judgment, the qualities specially belonging to a leader.

— Tacitus

The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.

— Tacitus

The more numerous the laws, the more corrupt the government.

— Tacitus

All bodies are slow in growth but rapid in decay.

— Tacitus

The lust for power, for dominating others, inflames the heart more than any other passion.

— Tacitus

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

— Tacitus

Rumor does not always err; it sometimes even elects a man.

— Tacitus

A bitter jest, when it comes too near the truth, leaves a sharp sting behind it.

— Tacitus

When men are full of envy they disparage everything, whether it be good or bad.

— Tacitus

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

— Tacitus

Bottling up his malice to be suppressed and brought out with increased violence.

— Tacitus

An eminent reputation is as dangerous as a bad one.

— Tacitus