but it was reserved for Augustus to relinquish the…
““but it was reserved for Augustus to relinquish the ambitious design of subduing the whole earth, and to introduce a spirit of moderation into the public councils. Inclined to peace by his temper and situation, it was easy for him to discover that Rome, in her present exalted situation, had much less to hope than to fear from the chance of arms; and that, in the prosecution of remote wars, the undertaking became every day more difficult, the event more doubtful, and the possession more precarious, and less beneficial.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Augustus chose moderation over conquest, recognizing that Rome’s power made war riskier and less rewarding than peace.
In simple terms: He preferred peace, seeing war as costly and uncertain.
Key Takeaway
Embrace moderation in leadership.
Themes
leadership
moderation
imperial policy
war and peace
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
historical
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government decision making
- military planning
- foreign policy
- public council deliberations
Key Concepts
Roman history
political strategy
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders balance ambition with prudence?
- When is restraint more beneficial than expansion?
A Different Perspective
Moderation can limit ambition, potentially stalling necessary reforms.