A person under the firm persuasion that he can command resources virtually has them.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Self-reliance
Men’s minds are too ready to excuse guilt in themselves.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Guilt
False shame only is harmful
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Shame
We fear things in proportion to our ignorance of them.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Business, Excellence, Ignorance, One liners, Fear
When Tarquin the Proud was asked what was the best mode of governing a conquered city, he replied only by beating down with his staff all the tallest poppies in his garden.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Government
Thus, if there is anyone who is confident that he can advise me as to the best advantage of the state in this campaign which I am about to conduct, let him not refuse his services to the state, but come with me into Macedonia. I will furnish him with his sea-passage, with a horse, a tent, and even travel-funds. If anyone is reluctant to do this and prefers the leisure of the city to the hardships of campaigning, let him not steer the ship from on shore.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
The best known evil is the most tolerable.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Evil
Of all kinds of shame, the worst, surely, is being ashamed of frugality or poverty.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Humility, Shame
It is easy at any moment to surrender a large fortune; to build one up is a difficult and an arduous task.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Fortune
Not many men have both good fortune and good sense.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Ability, Intelligence
In difficult situations, when hope seems feeble, the boldest plans are safest.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Courage
Men are slower to recognize blessings than evils.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Blessings, Attitude, Evil
In great straits and when hope is small, the boldest counsels are the safest.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Boldness, Bravery
History is the best medicine for a sick mind, for in history you have a record of the infinite variety of human experience plainly set out for all to see, and in that record you can find for yourself and your country both examples and warnings: fine things to take as models, base things rotten through and through to avoid.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: History
No wickedness proceeds on any grounds of reason.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Evil, Wickedness
Persevere in virtue and diligence.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Persistence, Perseverance
In grave difficulties, and with little hope, the boldest measures are the safest.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Difficulty
In adversity assume the countenance of prosperity, and in prosperity moderate the temper and desires.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Moderation
Adversity makes men remember God
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Adversity
Adversity reminds men of religion.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
No man likes to be surpassed by those of this own level.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Envy
Events of great consequence often spring from trifling circumstances.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: One Step at a Time, Events, Circumstance, Chance
What is honorable is also safest.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Truth is often eclipsed but never extinguished.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Truth
Men’s minds are too ingenious in palliating guilt in themselves.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Guilt
Be assured that when once a woman begins to be ashamed of what she ought not to be ashamed of, she will not be ashamed of what she ought.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Shame
A woman’s mind is affected by the meanest gifts.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Gift
Toil and pleasure, in their nature opposites, are yet linked together in a kind of necessary connection.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Labor
Avarice and luxury, those pests which have ever been the ruin of every great state.
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Luxury
Envy is blind, and she has no other quality than that of detracting from virtue
—Livy (Titus Livius)
Topics: Envy
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