Skip to content

The customs of the Jews are base and abominable and owe…

“The customs of the Jews are base and abominable and owe their persistence to their depravity. Jews are extremely loyal to one another, always ready to show compassion, but towards every other people they feel only hate and enimity. As a race (the Jews are not a race, because they have mingled with…” quote by Tacitus
Download Open image
“The customs of the Jews are base and abominable and owe their persistence to their depravity. Jews are extremely loyal to one another, always ready to show compassion, but towards every other people they feel only hate and enimity. As a race (the Jews are not a race, because they have mingled with the other races to the point that they are only a people, not a race), they are prone to lust; among themselves nothing is unlawful.”

Tacitus

About This Quote

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

The statement claims Jews are immoral, hateful to outsiders, yet loyal internally, and morally lax among themselves.

In simple terms: It portrays Jews negatively, emphasizing alleged immorality and hostility.

Key Takeaway

Question stereotypes and seek factual understanding.

Themes

prejudice stereotyping ethnic relations morality group dynamics

Mood

critical skeptical reflective

Type

quote opinion historical commentary

When to use this quote

  • historical analysis
  • education
  • interfaith dialogue
  • media literacy
  • policy making

Key Concepts

Antisemitism social bias identity in-group/out-group dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do stereotypes shape our view of groups?
  • What evidence challenges these claims?
A Different Perspective

Such sweeping generalizations ignore individual variation and historical context.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Tacitus

Explore all 227 Tacitus quotes

More Compassion quotes

Browse all 9,892 Compassion quotes