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Children Quote by Tacitus

“[That form of] eloquence, the foster-child of licence, which fools call liberty. [Lat., Eloquentia, alumna licentiae, quam stulti libertatem vocabant.]” quote by Tacitus
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“[That form of] eloquence, the foster-child of licence, which fools call liberty. [Lat., Eloquentia, alumna licentiae, quam stulti libertatem vocabant.]”

Tacitus

About This Quote

Source Work: Annals, Book 12, 112 AD

Eloquence can be a disguise for license, allowing people to claim liberty while actually acting foolishly.

In simple terms: Fancy speech can hide reckless freedom.

Key Takeaway

Beware of empty rhetoric.

Themes

politics language freedom

Mood

cautious critical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political speeches
  • legal arguments
  • media commentary
  • public debates

Key Concepts

rhetoric licence liberty foolishness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we distinguish true liberty from pretended eloquence?
  • When does eloquence become manipulation?
A Different Perspective

The quote may conflate eloquence with deceit, ignoring sincere expression.

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