Becoming Quote by Tacitus
“A man in power, once becoming obnoxious, his acts, good or bad, will work out his ruin.”
About This Quote
Source Historical Work: Annals (Roman History), 1st century AD
Powerful individuals become arrogant, and regardless of their deeds, their hubris ultimately leads to their downfall.
In simple terms: Arrogance in power invites ruin
Key Takeaway
Beware of pride in positions of authority.
Themes
power
hubris
ruin
leadership
history
Mood
cautionary
historical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- corporate governance
- public service
Key Concepts
political theory
ethics
historical cycles
Questions to Reflect On
- What checks can prevent a leader’s hubris?
- How does humility protect against self‑destruction?
A Different Perspective
Even good deeds cannot offset the damage of excessive pride.
![“None mourn more ostentatiously than those who most rejoice at it [a death].” quote by Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/36d/tacitus-1552_death_none-mourn-more-ostentatiously-than-thos_13591.jpg)
![“None mourn more ostentatiously over the death of Germanicus than those who most rejoice at it [a death].” quote by Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/192/tacitus-1552_death_none-mourn-more-ostentatiously-over-the_123648.jpg)
