Benefits are acceptable, while the receiver thinks he may return them; but once exceeding that, hatred is given instead of thanks. Tacitus More Quotes by Tacitus More Quotes From Tacitus Laws were most numerous when the commonwealth was most corrupt Tacitus commonwealth libertarian law Valor is the contempt of death and pain. Tacitus valor contempt pain Remedies are more tardy in their operation than diseases. Tacitus operations remedy disease In stirring up tumult and strife, the worst men can do the most, but peace and quiet cannot be established without virtue. Tacitus virtue quiet men Nothing mortal is so unstable and subject to change as power which has no foundation. Tacitus foundation politics wisdom So obscure are the greatest events, as some take for granted any hearsay, whatever its source, others turn truth into falsehood, and both errors find encouragement with posterity. Tacitus errors events encouragement It is not becoming to grieve immoderately for the dead. Tacitus becoming grieving The lust of dominion burns with a flame so fierce as to overpower all other affections of the human breast. Tacitus flames dominion lust There are odious virtues; such as inflexible severity, and an integrity that accepts of no favor. Tacitus virtue favors integrity In seasons of tumult and discord bad men have most power; mental and moral excellence require peace and quietness. Tacitus moral excellence men Once killing starts, it is difficult to draw the line. Tacitus difficult lines killing It is of eloquence as of a flame; it requires matter to feed it, and motion to excite it; and it brightens as it burns. Tacitus eloquence flames matter The hatred of relatives is the most violent. Tacitus family society hatred So true is it that all transactions of preeminent importance are wrapt in doubt and obscurity; while some hold for certain facts the most precarious hearsays, others turn facts into falsehood; and both are exaggerated by posterity. Tacitus obscurity doubt facts Even honor and virtue make enemies, condemning, as they do, their opposites by too close a contrast. Tacitus honor opposites integrity Power is more safely retained by cautious than by severe councils. Tacitus council cautious power No hatred is so bitter as that of near relations. Tacitus bitter hatred relation It is more reverent to believe in the works of the Deity than to comprehend them. Tacitus deities believe Old things are always in good repute, present things in disfavor. Tacitus old-things age time Zealous in the commencement, careless in the end. Tacitus commencement zealous ends
