Tacitus
Tacitus
PubliusCornelius Tacituswas a senator and a historian of the Roman Empire. The surviving portions of his two major works—the Annals and the Histories—examine the reigns of the Roman emperors Tiberius, Claudius, Nero, and those who reigned in the Year of the Four Emperors. These two works span the history of the Roman Empire from the death of Augustus in AD 14 to the years of the First Jewish–Roman War in AD 70. There are substantial lacunae in the surviving texts,...
NationalityRoman
ProfessionHistorian
fame last love wise
Love of fame is the last thing even the wise give up
bad discord excellence men mental moral peace require seasons
In seasons of tumult and discord bad men have the most power; mental and moral excellence require peace and quietness.
bad discord excellence men mental moral peace require
In times of tumult and discord bad men have the most power; mental and moral excellence require peace and quiteness.
behind bitter jest leaves near satire sharp sting truth
Bitter the jest when satire comes too near truth and leaves a sharp sting behind it
actions deeds evil fear history infamous office prevent principle reputation virtuous words
The principle office of history I take to be this: to prevent virtuous actions from being forgotten, and that evil words and deeds should fear an infamous reputation with posterity.
courage valor there-is-hope
In valor there is hope.
heart passion lust
The lust for power, for dominating others, inflames the heart more than any other passion.
peace freedom war
The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.
leader reign christ
Auctor nominis eius Christus,Tiberio imperitante, per procuratorem Pontium Pilatum, supplicio affectus erat. Christ, the leader of the sect, had been put to death by the procurator Pontius Pilate in the reign of Tiberius.
gratitude revenge men
Men are more ready to repay an injury than a benefit, because gratitude is a burden and revenge a pleasure
may paranoia ifs
If you would know who controls you see who you may not criticise.
political
Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges.
reputation dangerous
An eminent reputation is as dangerous as a bad one.
hate anger politics
It belongs to human nature to hate those you have injured.