Tacitus Quotes

The more numerous the laws, the more corrupt the government.

They have plundered the world, stripping naked the land in their hunger… they are driven by greed, if their enemy be rich; by ambition, if poor… They ravage, they slaughter, they seize by false pretenses, and all of this they hail as the construction of empire. And when in their wake nothing remains but a desert, they call that peace.

Formerly we suffered from crimes; now we suffer from laws.

If you would know who controls you see who you may not criticise.

The lust for power, for dominating others, inflames the heart more than any other passion.

Men are more ready to repay an injury than a benefit, because gratitude is a burden and revenge a pleasure

The customs of the Jews are base and abominable and owe their persistence to their depravity. Jews are extremely loyal to one another, always ready to show compassion, but towards every other people they feel only hate and enimity. As a race (the Jews are not a race, because they have mingled with the other races to the point that they are only a people, not a race), they are prone to lust; among themselves nothing is unlawful.

Viewed from a distance, everything is beautiful.

The injustice of a government is proportional to the number of its laws.

Augustus gradually increased his powers, taking over those of the senate, the executives and the laws. The aristocracy received wealth and position in proportion to their willingness to accept slavery. The state had been transformed, and the old Roman character gone for ever. Equality among citizens was completely abandoned. All now waited on the imperial command.

Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges.

The worst crimes were dared by a few, willed by more and tolerated by all.

By punishing men of talent we confirm their authority.

When the State is corrupt, then the laws are most multiplied.

Many who seem to be struggling with adversity are happy; many, amid great affluence, are utterly miserable.

None make a greater show of sorrow than those who are most delighted.

Once killing starts, it is difficult to draw the line.

Traitors are hated even by those whom they prefer.

Crime, once exposed, has no refuge but in audacity.

Christianity is a pestilent superstition.

The Romans brought devestation, but they called it peace.

One who is allowed to sin, sins less

When men are full of envy they disparage everything, whether it be good or bad.

Great empires are not maintained by timidity.

Things are not to be judged good or bad merely because the public think so.