Tacitus

The unknown always passes for the marvellous.

— Tacitus

It is the nature of the human disposition to hate him whom you have injured.

— Tacitus

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

— Tacitus

The worst crimes were dared by a few, willed by more and tolerated by all.

— Tacitus

Neglected, calumny soon expires, show that you are hurt, and you give it the appearance of truth.

— Tacitus

It is the rare fortune of these days that one may think what one likes and say what one thinks.

— Tacitus

Miseram pacem vel bello bene mutari. Even war is preferable to a shameful peace.

— Tacitus

Valor is the contempt of death and pain.

— Tacitus

All ancient history was written with a moral object; the ethical interest predominates almost to the exclusion of all others.

— Tacitus

They make solitude, which they call peace.

— Tacitus

It is found by experience that admirable laws and right precedents among the good have their origin in the misdeeds of others.

— Tacitus

[The Jews have] an attitude of hostility and hatred towards all others.

— Tacitus

Candor and generosity, unless tempered by due moderation, leads to ruin.

— Tacitus

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

— Tacitus

In all things there is a kind of law of cycles. [Lat., Rebus cunctis inest quidam velut orbis.]

— Tacitus

Things forbidden have a secret charm.

— Tacitus

The views of the multitude are neither bad nor good. [Lat., Neque mala, vel bona, quae vulgus putet.]

— Tacitus

In stirring up tumult and strife, the worst men can do the most, but peace and quiet cannot be established without virtue.

— Tacitus

The hatred of relatives is the most violent.

— Tacitus

“He realized that monarchy was essential to peace, and that the price of freedom was violence and disorder.”

— Tacitus

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

— Tacitus

There are odious virtues; such as inflexible severity, and an integrity that accepts of no favor.

— Tacitus

They make a desert and call it peace.

— Tacitus

Remedies are slower in their operation than diseases.

— Tacitus

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

— Tacitus