Careless Quote by Tacitus
“In careless ignorance they think it civilization, when in reality it is a portion of their slavery...To ravage, to slaughter, to usurp under false pretenses, they call empire; and where they make a desert, they call it peace.”
About This Quote
Source Historical Text: Annals by Tacitus, 1st century AD
Empires claim to bring order, but they create oppression and destruction, disguising violence as peace.
In simple terms: Power masquerades as peace while enslaving.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and seek true justice.
Themes
power
imperialism
violence
peace
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- military conquest
- social movements
Key Concepts
political rhetoric
moral hypocrisy
colonialism
Questions to Reflect On
- When does a state become oppressive?
- How can societies ensure peace without oppression?
A Different Perspective
The view may generalize all empires, ignoring nuanced governance.
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![“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)
