---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Cassius and Brutus were the more…"
description: "\"Cassius and Brutus were the more distinguished for that very circumstance that their portraits were absent. [Lat., Praefulgebant Cassius atque Brutus e..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba7/tacitus-1552_absence_cassius-and-brutus-were-the-more-disting_1421545.jpg"
---

#  Cassius and Brutus were the more distinguished for that…

![“Cassius and Brutus were the more distinguished for that very circumstance that their portraits were absent. &#91;Lat., Praefulgebant Cassius atque Brutus eo ipso, quod effigies eorum non videbantur.&#93;” quote by Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba7/tacitus-1552_absence_cassius-and-brutus-were-the-more-disting_1421545.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba7/tacitus-1552_absence_cassius-and-brutus-were-the-more-disting_1421545.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba7/tacitus-1552_absence_cassius-and-brutus-were-the-more-disting_1421545.jpg)

> “Cassius and Brutus were the more distinguished for that very circumstance that their portraits were absent. \[Lat., Praefulgebant Cassius atque Brutus eo ipso, quod effigies eorum non videbantur.\]”

[Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote highlights that the lack of portraits signifies their distinction, implying fame without visual representation.

**In simple terms:** Fame can exist without images.

Key Takeaway

Recognize worth beyond appearances.

Themes

distinction legacy recognition

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

historical philosophical

When to use this quote

- political history
- art history
- cultural analysis

Key Concepts

historical context reputation visual absence

Questions to Reflect On

- How does visual representation affect legacy?
- Can fame endure without images?

A Different Perspective

Portraits can also humanize and preserve memory.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Absence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/absence/) [Absent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/absent/) [Brutus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brutus/) [Brutus Distinguished](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brutus-distinguished-5035835/) [Cassius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cassius/) [Cassius Brutus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cassius-brutus-5035837/) [Circumstances](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/circumstances/) [Distinguished](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/distinguished/) [Portraits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/portraits/) [Portraits Absent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/portraits-absent-5035836/)

## Related quotes

> [The images of twenty of the most illustrious families the Manlii, the Quinctii, and other names of equal splendour were carried before it \[the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/the-images-of-twenty-of-the-most-illustrious-families-the-manlii-the/)

[Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

> [But it is the nature of stars to cross, and never was Shakespeare more wrong than when he has Cassius note, ‘The fault, dear…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-green/but-it-is-the-nature-of-stars-to-cross-and-never-was-shakespeare-more/)

[John Green](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-green/)

> [Like every man who appears at an epoch which is historical and rendered famous by his works, Jesus Christ has a history, a history…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-baptiste-henri-lacordaire/like-every-man-who-appears-at-an-epoch-which-is-historical-and/)

[Jean-Baptiste Henri Lacordaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-baptiste-henri-lacordaire/)

> [Greater things are believed of those who are absent.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/greater-things-are-believed-of-those-who-are-absent/)

[Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

> [“There was a brief mutter from underneath the table. ‘Thank fuck,’ Brutus said. ‘We need to depart this hellhole tout suite.’ I started and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/helen-harper/there-was-a-brief-mutter-from-underneath-the-table-thank-fuck-brutus/)

[Helen Harper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/helen-harper/)

> [Hamlet is the result of Shakespeare's work on Brutus.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dakin-matthews/hamlet-is-the-result-of-shakespeare-s-work-on-brutus/)

[Dakin Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dakin-matthews/)

> [When your living like Ceasar, you better watch out for Brutus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bizzy-crook/when-your-living-like-ceasar-you-better-watch-out-for-brutus/)

[Bizzy Crook](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bizzy-crook/)

> [A dagger is the noble weapon of Brutus. Everyone understands that tyrants fall to daggers. A bomb is a sordid modern device with many…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-sterling/a-dagger-is-the-noble-weapon-of-brutus-everyone-understands-that/)

[Bruce Sterling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-sterling/)

> [“Caesar, Now be still, I killed not thee with half so good a will"?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/caesar-now-be-still-i-killed-not-thee-with-half-so-good-a-will/)

[William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/)

> [“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in our stars, that we are underlinings.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-green/the-fault-dear-brutus-is-not-in-our-stars-but-in-our-stars-that-we/)

[John Green](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-green/)

> [For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar's angel: Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him! This was the most unkindest cut of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/for-brutus-as-you-know-was-caesar-s-angel-judge-o-you-gods-how-dearly/)

[William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/)

> [“Fates, we will know your pleasures: That we shall die, we know; 'tis but the time And drawing days out, that men stand upon.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/fates-we-will-know-your-pleasures-that-we-shall-die-we-know-tis-but/)

[William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/)

> [“Et tu, Brute?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/et-tu-brute/)

[William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/)

> [“From somewhere above me, there was an irritated hiss. ‘Food.’ I strained my head upwards. ‘Hi, Brutus.’ His yellow eyes stared down at me,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/helen-harper/from-somewhere-above-me-there-was-an-irritated-hiss-food-i-strained/)

[Helen Harper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/helen-harper/)

> [Et tu Brute! (You too, Brutus!)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/et-tu-brute-you-too-brutus/)

[William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/)

## More by Tacitus

> [Benefits received are a delight to us as long as we think we can requite them; when that possibility is far exceeded, they are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/benefits-received-are-a-delight-to-us-as-long-as-we-think-we-can/)

[Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

> [Rumor does not always err; it sometimes even elects a man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/rumor-does-not-always-err-it-sometimes-even-elects-a-man/)

[Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

> [ None mourn more ostentatiously than those who most rejoice at it \[a death\]. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/none-mourn-more-ostentatiously-than-those-who-most-rejoice-at-it-a/)

[Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

> [So true is it that all transactions of preeminent importance are wrapt in doubt and obscurity; while some hold for certain facts the most…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/so-true-is-it-that-all-transactions-of-preeminent-importance-are/)

[Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

> [Be assured those will be thy worst enemies, not to whom thou hast done evil, but who have done evil to thee. And those…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/be-assured-those-will-be-thy-worst-enemies-not-to-whom-thou-hast-done/)

[Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

> [Christianity is a pestilent superstition.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/christianity-is-a-pestilent-superstition/)

[Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

> [Indeed, the crowning proof of their valour and their strength is that they keep up their superiority without harm to others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/indeed-the-crowning-proof-of-their-valour-and-their-strength-is-that/)

[Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

> [Formerly we suffered from crimes; now we suffer from laws.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/formerly-we-suffered-from-crimes-now-we-suffer-from-laws/)

[Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

> [ None mourn more ostentatiously over the death of Germanicus than those who most rejoice at it \[a death\]. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/none-mourn-more-ostentatiously-over-the-death-of-germanicus-than/)

[Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

> [Once killing starts, it is difficult to draw the line.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/once-killing-starts-it-is-difficult-to-draw-the-line/)

[Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

> [The lust of dominion burns with a flame so fierce as to overpower all other affections of the human breast.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/the-lust-of-dominion-burns-with-a-flame-so-fierce-as-to-overpower-all/)

[Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

> [“It is a principle of nature to hate those whom you have injured.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/it-is-a-principle-of-nature-to-hate-those-whom-you-have-injured/)

[Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

> [Kindness, so far as we can return it, is agreeable.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/kindness-so-far-as-we-can-return-it-is-agreeable/)

[Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

> [Posterity gives every man his true value.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/posterity-gives-every-man-his-true-value/)

[Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

> [The most detestable race of enemies are flatterers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/the-most-detestable-race-of-enemies-are-flatterers/)

[Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

[Explore all 227 Tacitus quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/)

## More Absence quotes

> [Distance sometimes endears friendship, and absence sweeteneth it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-howell/distance-sometimes-endears-friendship-and-absence-sweeteneth-it/)

[James Howell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-howell/)

> [The work, the work, the work. This is what the business is all about. This is the fun, the glory, the pleasure. It's the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phil-dusenberry/the-work-the-work-the-work-this-is-what-the-business-is-all-about/)

[Phil Dusenberry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phil-dusenberry/)

> [Total depravity means the entire absence of holiness, not the highest intensity of sin. A totally depraved man is not as bad as he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-greenough-thayer-shedd/total-depravity-means-the-entire-absence-of-holiness-not-the-highest/)

[William Greenough Thayer Shedd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-greenough-thayer-shedd/)

> [Local and state governments have outrun the federal government. The EPA has served notice that it will enact a rule requiring CO2 reductions by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/al-gore/local-and-state-governments-have-outrun-the-federal-government-the/)

[Al Gore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/al-gore/)

> [There, in the center of that silence was not eternity but the death of time and a loneliness so profound the word itself had…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/toni-morrison/there-in-the-center-of-that-silence-was-not-eternity-but-the-death-of/)

[Toni Morrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/toni-morrison/)

> [Of all the bewildering things about a new country, the absence of human landmarks is one of the most depressing and disheartening.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/willa-cather/of-all-the-bewildering-things-about-a-new-country-the-absence-of/)

[Willa Cather](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/willa-cather/)

> [Young men have strong passions and tend to gratify them indiscriminately. Of the bodily desires, it is the sexual by which they are most…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aristotle/young-men-have-strong-passions-and-tend-to-gratify-them/)

[Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aristotle/)

> [It is suggested that in domestic violence at least the presence or absence of a firearm, or of any other type of weapon, is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colin-greenwood/it-is-suggested-that-in-domestic-violence-at-least-the-presence-or/)

[Colin Greenwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colin-greenwood/)

> [The absence of God in most spheres of life is perceived to be normal, and even Christians feel it as normal - which is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-piper/the-absence-of-god-in-most-spheres-of-life-is-perceived-to-be-normal/)

[John Piper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-piper/)

> [Every person needs to take one day away. A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future. Jobs, family, employers, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maya-angelou/every-person-needs-to-take-one-day-away-a-day-in-which-one/)

[Maya Angelou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maya-angelou/)

> [“I was thinking how most people don't make you feel much of anything at all. Don't make you feel like time spent with them…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-lotter/i-was-thinking-how-most-people-don-t-make-you-feel-much-of-anything/)

[Jane Lotter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-lotter/)

> [Cooperation isn't the absence of conflict but a means of managing conflict.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/deborah-tannen/cooperation-isn-t-the-absence-of-conflict-but-a-means-of-managing/)

[Deborah Tannen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/deborah-tannen/)

> [Many are observing Ferguson and witnessing the anger, demonstrations, looting and vandalism and calling for quiet. But quiet isn't enough. The absence of noise…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jesse-jackson/many-are-observing-ferguson-and-witnessing-the-anger-demonstrations/)

[Jesse Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jesse-jackson/)

> [Will capitalist economies operate at full employment in the absence of routine intervention? Certainly not. Are deviations from full employment a social problem? Obviously.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janet-yellen/will-capitalist-economies-operate-at-full-employment-in-the-absence/)

[Janet Yellen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janet-yellen/)

> [We must begin by acknowledging that there is a complete absence of two things in Indian Society. One of these is equality. On the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-r-ambedkar/we-must-begin-by-acknowledging-that-there-is-a-complete-absence-of/)

[B. R. Ambedkar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-r-ambedkar/)

[Browse all 2,057 Absence quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/absence/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "Cassius and Brutus were the more distinguished for that very circumstance that their portraits were absent. [Lat., Praefulgebant Cassius atque Brutus eo ipso, quod effigies eorum non videbantur.]",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Tacitus"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/cassius-and-brutus-were-the-more-distinguished-for-that-very/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Absence"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/cassius-and-brutus-were-the-more-distinguished-for-that-very/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba7/tacitus-1552_absence_cassius-and-brutus-were-the-more-disting_1421545.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba7/tacitus-1552_absence_cassius-and-brutus-were-the-more-disting_1421545.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba7/tacitus-1552_absence_cassius-and-brutus-were-the-more-disting_1421545.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“Cassius and Brutus were the more distinguished for that very circumstance that their portraits were absent…” — Tacitus",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Tacitus",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "Cassius and Brutus were the more...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/cassius-and-brutus-were-the-more-distinguished-for-that-very/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/cassius-and-brutus-were-the-more-distinguished-for-that-very/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
