“The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.”
Source: The Annals of Imperial Rome
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Famous Tacitus Quotes
Source: The Histories
“In the struggle between those seeking power there is no middle course.”
“Other men have acquired fame by industry, but this man by indolence.”
“Rumor does not always err; it sometimes even elects a man.”
“The love of fame is a love that even the wisest of men are reluctant to forgo.”
“Solitudinem faciunt pacem appellant. They make a wilderness and they call it peace.”
“Perdomita Britannia et statim omissa. Britain was conquered and immediately lost.”
“Deos fortioribus adesse. The gods support those who are stronger.”
“Miseram pacem vel bello bene mutari. Even war is preferable to a shameful peace.”
Source: Germania by Tacitus
Source: The Agricola and Germany of Tacitus
Source: Germania by Tacitus
“What is today supported by precedents will hereafter become a precedent.”
Source: The History of Tacitus
“Nothing mortal is so unstable and subject to change as power which has no foundation.”
“Neglected, calumny soon expires, show that you are hurt, and you give it the appearance of truth.”
Source: Tacitus
“Crime succeeds by sudden despatch; honest counsels gain vigor by delay.”
“Flattery labors under the odious charge of servility.”
Source: The History. Germany. Agricola. Dialogue on orators
“People flatter us because they can depend upon our credulity.”
“Flatterers are the worst kind of enemies. [Lat., Pessimum genus inimicorum laudantes.]”
“It is the nature of the human disposition to hate him whom you have injured.”
“Everything unknown is magnified. [Lat., Omne ignotum pro magnifico est.]”
“Posterity gives to every man his true honor. [Lat., Suum cuique decus posteritas rependet.]”