Aim Quote by Tacitus
“In private enterprises men may advance or recede, whereas they who aim at empire have no alternative between the highest success and utter downfall.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Annals, Roman Empire, 1st century AD
Men who seek empire face a binary fate: extreme success or complete ruin.
In simple terms: Pursuing power leads to high stakes.
Consider the risks before chasing greatness.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political careers
- military campaigns
- corporate leadership
- entrepreneurial ventures
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Is empire always a zero‑sum game?
- What alternatives exist to extreme outcomes?
The binary view oversimplifies complex outcomes and ignores moderate successes.