Skip to content

Sovereignty is easily preserved by the very arts by which…

“Sovereignty is easily preserved by the very arts by which it was originally created. When, however, energy has given place to indifference, and temperance and justice to passion and arrogance, then as the morals change so changes fortune.” quote by Sallust
Download Open image
“Sovereignty is easily preserved by the very arts by which it was originally created. When, however, energy has given place to indifference, and temperance and justice to passion and arrogance, then as the morals change so changes fortune.”

Sallust

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

When a state’s founding virtues decay into apathy and excess, its fortunes shift accordingly.

In simple terms: Loss of virtue leads to loss of fortune.

Key Takeaway

Guard civic virtues.

Themes

politics morality fortune virtue

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

analytical historical

When to use this quote

  • government reform
  • civic education
  • ethical leadership

Key Concepts

civic decay ethical decline political instability

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies sustain virtue over time?
  • What mechanisms prevent moral decay?
A Different Perspective

Even with strong foundations, neglect can erode stability.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Sallust

Explore all 115 Sallust quotes

More Arrogance quotes

Browse all 1,418 Arrogance quotes