Skip to content

To plunder, to slaughter, to steal, these things they…

“To plunder, to slaughter, to steal, these things they misname empire; and where they make a wilderness, they call it peace.” quote by Tacitus
Download Open image
“To plunder, to slaughter, to steal, these things they misname empire; and where they make a wilderness, they call it peace.”

Tacitus

About This Quote

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

Empires create destruction while labeling it peace, revealing hypocrisy.

In simple terms: Empires hide violence behind peace.

Key Takeaway

Question the true cost of power.

Themes

politics war hypocrisy

Mood

critical serious

Type

historical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy analysis
  • media critique
  • education

Key Concepts

history philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you identify hidden violence?
  • What signs reveal a false peace?
A Different Perspective

Peace may mask ongoing oppression.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Tacitus

Explore all 227 Tacitus quotes

More Empire quotes

Browse all 433 Empire quotes