Necessity reforms the poor, and satiety the rich.
—Tacitus
Topics: Reform
Not because of any extraordinary talents did he succeed, but because he had a capacity on a level for business and not above it.
—Tacitus
Topics: Business, Ability
Those in supreme power always suspect and hate their next heir.
—Tacitus
Topics: Inheritance
Custom adapts itself to expediency.
—Tacitus
This I hold to be the chief office of history, to rescue virtuous actions from the oblivion to which a want of records would consign them, and that men should feel a dread of being considered infamous in the opinions of posterity, from their depraved expressions and base actions.
—Tacitus
Topics: History
Valor is of no service, chance rules all, and the bravest often fall by the hands of cowards.
—Tacitus
Topics: Bravery, Valor
The love of fame is the last weakness which even the wise resign.
—Tacitus
Topics: Fame
A desire to resist oppression is implanted in the nature of man.
—Tacitus
Topics: Oppression, One liners
One who is allowed to sin, sins less.
—Tacitus
Topics: Sin
All enterprises that are entered into with indiscreet zeal may be pursued with great vigor at first, but are sure to collapse in the end.
—Tacitus
Topics: Prudence
In all things there is a law of cycles.
—Tacitus
Topics: History
In seasons of tumult and discord bad men have most power; mental and moral excellence require peace and quietness.
—Tacitus
Topics: Excellence
When a woman has lost her chastity she will shrink from nothing.
—Tacitus
Topics: Humility, Modesty
Even honor and virtue make enemies, condemning, as they do, their opposites by too close a contrast.
—Tacitus
Topics: Honor
We see many who are struggling against adversity who are happy, and more although abounding in wealth, who are wretched.
—Tacitus
Topics: Adversity
All bodies are slow in growth but rapid in decay.
—Tacitus
Topics: Health
There will be vice as long as there are men.
—Tacitus
Topics: Vice
The more corrupt the republic, the more numerous the laws.
—Tacitus
Topics: Justice
Pliability and liberality, when not restrained within due bounds, must ever turn to the ruin of their possessor.
—Tacitus
Topics: Excess
Noble character is best appreciated in those ages in which it can most readily develop.
—Tacitus
Topics: Character
The lust for power, for dominating others, inflames the heart more than any other passion.
—Tacitus
Prosperity is the measure or touchstone of virtue, for it is less difficult to bear misfortune than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.
—Tacitus
Topics: Prosperity, Fortune, Misfortunes
When the state is most corrupt, then the laws are most multiplied.
—Tacitus
Topics: Law
If we must fall, we should boldly meet the danger.
—Tacitus
Topics: Bravery, Danger, Courage
Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.
—Tacitus
Topics: Leadership, Leaders
Old things are always in good repute, present things in disfavor.
—Tacitus
Topics: Age, Aging
The brave and bold persist even against fortune; the timid and cowardly rush to despair though fear alone.
—Tacitus
Topics: Bravery, Courage
Neglected calumny soon expires; show that you are hurt, and you give it the appearance of truth.
—Tacitus
Greater things are believed of those who are absent.
—Tacitus
Topics: Absence
So, as you go into battle, remember your ancestors and remember your descendants.
—Tacitus
Topics: The Military
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
- Seneca the Elder (Marcus Annaeus Seneca) Roman Rhetorician
- Cato the Elder (Marcus Porcius Cato) Roman Statesman
- Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) Roman Stoic Philosopher
- Cicero Roman Philosopher
- Quintilian Roman Rhetorician, Literary Critic
- Petronius Roman Courtier
- Pliny the Elder Roman Scholar
- Apuleius Roman Prose Writer
- Pliny the Younger Roman Senator, Writer
- Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso) Roman Poet
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