Skip to content

Family Quote by Publius Cornelius Tacitus

“It is only necessary to make war with five things: with the maladies of the body, with the ignorance of the mind, with the passions of the body, with the sedition of the city, with the discords of families.” quote by Publius Cornelius Tacitus
Download Open image
“It is only necessary to make war with five things: with the maladies of the body, with the ignorance of the mind, with the passions of the body, with the sedition of the city, with the discords of families.”

Publius Cornelius Tacitus

About This Quote

Source Treatise: Annals, Book 1, 1st century AD

One must combat disease, ignorance, uncontrolled desires, civil disorder, and family conflict to achieve peace.

In simple terms: Fight health, mind, emotions, society, and family discord.

Key Takeaway

Address root causes, not just symptoms.

Themes

health knowledge self‑control social order family harmony

Mood

reflective serious

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal health
  • education
  • emotional regulation
  • community building
  • family counseling

Key Concepts

philosophy ethics political theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which of these five battles is most urgent for you?
  • How can you address multiple areas simultaneously?
A Different Perspective

Neglecting any one area can undermine overall stability.

3.1 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Publius Cornelius Tacitus

Explore all 10 Publius Cornelius Tacitus quotes

More Family quotes

Browse all 36,931 Family quotes