A bitter jest, when it comes too near the truth, leaves a sharp sting behind it. Tacitus More Quotes by Tacitus More Quotes From Tacitus The most detestable race of enemies are flatterers. Tacitus flattererraceenemy Traitors are hated even by those whom they prefer. Tacitus traitorhated Abuse if you slight it, will gradually die away; but if you show yourself irritated, you will be thought to have deserved it. Tacitus irritatedabusecriticism When a woman has lost her chastity she will shrink from nothing. Tacitus chastitymodestylost Many who seem to be struggling with adversity are happy; many, amid great affluence, are utterly miserable. Tacitus affluenceadversitystruggle It is less difficult to bear misfortunes than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure. Tacitus difficultpleasurebears In a state where corruption abounds, laws must be very numerous. Tacitus lawyercorruptionlaw No one would have doubted his ability to reign had he never been emperor. Tacitus reignabilityhistory An eminent reputation is as dangerous as a bad one. Tacitus reputationdangerous Posterity will pay everyone their due. Tacitus timepaypast Things forbidden have a secret charm. Tacitus forbiddencharmsecret This I regard as history's highest function, to let no worthy action be uncommemorated, and to hold out the reprobation of posterity as a terror to evil words and deeds. Tacitus deedsevilhistory To rob, to ravage, to murder, in their imposing language, are the arts of civil policy. When they have made the world a solitude, they call it peace. Tacitus solitudepeaceart The hatred of those who are near to us is most violent. Tacitus violenthatehatred It is the rare fortune of these days that one may think what one likes and say what one thinks. Tacitus likesmaythinking It is common, to esteem most what is most unknown. Tacitus esteemcommonappreciation Perdomita Britannia et statim omissa. Britain was conquered and immediately lost. Tacitus britainlost More faults are often committed while we are trying to oblige than while we are giving offense. Tacitus faultstryinggiving Flatterers are the worst kind of enemies. Tacitus flatterykindenemy A man in power, once becoming obnoxious, his acts, good or bad, will work out his ruin. Tacitus ruinswork-outmen
