Tacitus Quotes
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Custom adapts itself to expediency.
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A shocking crime was committed on the unscrupulous initiative of few individuals, with the blessing of more, and amid the passive acquiescence of all.
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Fear is not in the habit of speaking truth; when perfect sincerity is expected, perfect freedom must be allowed; nor has anyone who is apt to be angry when he hears the truth any cause to wonder that he does not hear it.
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Greater things are believed of those who are absent.
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Nihil deorum honoribus relictum, cum se templis et effigie numinum per flamines et sacerdotes coli vellet.
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The images of twenty of the most illustrious families the Manlii, the Quinctii, and other names of equal splendour were carried before it [the bier of Junia]. Those of Brutus and Cassius were not displayed; but for that very reason they shone with pre-eminent lustre.
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Formerly we suffered from crimes; now we suffer from laws.
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nisi impunitatis cupido retinuisset, magnis semper conatibus adversa.
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Be assured those will be thy worst enemies, not to whom thou hast done evil, but who have done evil to thee. And those will be thy best friends, not to whom thou hast done good, but who have done good to thee.
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All things atrocious and shameless flock from all parts to Rome.
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Many who seem to be struggling with adversity are happy; many, amid great affluence, are utterly miserable.
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Prosperity is the measure or touchstone of virtue, for it is less difficult to bear misfortune than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.
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Suum cuique decus posteritas rependit
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Valor is of no service, chance rules all, and the bravest often fall by the hands of cowards.
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A desire to resist oppression is implanted in the nature of man.
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Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.
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The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.
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All bodies are slow in growth but rapid in decay.
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Crime, once exposed, has no refuge but in audacity.
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When the state is most corrupt, then the laws are most multiplied.
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Indeed, the crowning proof of their valour and their strength is that they keep up their superiority without harm to others.
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Valor is the contempt of death and pain.
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Noble character is best appreciated in those ages in which it can most readily develop.
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No one would have doubted his ability to reign had he never been emperor.