Admirable Quote by Tacitus
“It is found by experience that admirable laws and right precedents among the good have their origin in the misdeeds of others.”
About This Quote
Source Historical Text: Annals by Tacitus, 1st century AD
The quote suggests that laws and precedents often arise from the misdeeds of others, implying a complex moral origin.
In simple terms: Good institutions may stem from past wrongs.
Recognize the flawed roots of current norms.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legal reform
- policy making
- educational curricula
- social activism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do past injustices shape today’s rules?
- Can we reform institutions without erasing history?
Idealizing law without acknowledging its origins can be naive.