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
peace war
It was rather a cessation of war than a beginning of peace. [Lat., Bellum magis desierat, quam pax coeperat.]
integrity favors virtue
There are odious virtues; such as inflexible severity, and an integrity that accepts of no favor.
adversity judgment
Adversity deprives us of our judgment.
men punishment talent
When men of talents are punished, authority is strengthened. [Lat., Punitis ingeniis, gliscit auctoritas.]
leader quality ratios
Forethought and prudence are the proper qualities of a leader. [Lat., Ratio et consilium, propriae ducis artes.]
force accomplish prudence
We accomplish more by prudence than by force. [Lat., Plura consilio quam vi perficimus.]
age example virtue
Yet the age was not so utterly destitute of virtues but that it produced some good examples. [Lat., Non tamen adeo virtutum sterile seculum, ut non et bona exempla prodiderit.]
disease operations remedy
Remedies are slower in their operation than diseases.
military fall fate
If we must fall, we should boldly meet our fate.
wise desire lasts
The desire of glory is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise.
genius talent influence
The persecution of genius fosters its influence.
hate hatred violent
The hatred of those who are near to us is most violent.
beautiful summer latin
The solitude lends much appeal, because a sea without a harbour surrounds it. Even a modest boat can find few anchorage, and nobody can go ashore unnoticed by the guards. Its winter is mild because it is enclosed by a range of mountains which keeps out the fierce temperature; its summer is unequal. The open sea is very pleasant and it has a view of a beautiful bay.
men lasts fame
Even for learned men, love of fame is the last thing to be given up.