Indeed, the crowning proof of their valour and their strength is that they keep up their superiority without harm to others. Tacitus More Quotes by Tacitus More Quotes From Tacitus A cowardly populace which will dare nothing beyond talk. Tacitus ultras cowardly dare Rumor does not always err; it sometimes even elects a man. Tacitus rumor doe men A bitter jest, when it comes too near the truth, leaves a sharp sting behind it. Tacitus jest bitter inspirational If we must fall, we should boldly meet the danger. Tacitus should danger fall All inconsiderate enterprises are impetuous at first, but soon lanquish. Tacitus inconsiderate business firsts The views of the multitude are neither bad nor good. Tacitus multitudes views This I hold to be the chief office of history, to rescue virtuous actions from the oblivion to which a want of records would consign them, and that men should feel a dread of being considered infamous in the opinions of posterity, from their depraved expressions and base actions. Tacitus expression men history Posterity gives to every man his true honor. Tacitus honor giving men The word liberty has been falsely used by persons who, being degenerately profligate in private life, and mischievous in public, had no hope left but in fomenting discord. Tacitus no-hope liberty used Our magistrates discharge their duties best at the beginning; and fall off toward the end. Tacitus ends law fall If we must fall, we should boldly meet our fate. Tacitus fate military fall Every great example of punishment has in it some injustice, but the suffering individual is compensated by the public good. Tacitus punishment example suffering They even say that an altar dedicated to Ulysses , with the addition of the name of his father, Laertes , was formerly discovered on the same spot, and that certain monuments and tombs with Greek inscriptions, still exist on the borders of Germany and Rhaetia . Tacitus greek names father Noble character is best appreciated in those ages in which it can most readily develop. Tacitus noble age character Those in supreme power always suspect and hate their next heir. Tacitus inheritance hate power Kindness, so far as we can return it, is agreeable. Tacitus return kindness All ancient history was written with a moral object; the ethical interest predominates almost to the exclusion of all others. Tacitus ancient exclusion moral To abandon your shield is the basest of crimes; nor may a man thus disgraced be present at the sacred rites, or enter their council; many, indeed, after escaping from battle, have ended their infamy with the halter. Tacitus escaping battle men In careless ignorance they think it civilization, when in reality it is a portion of their slavery...To ravage, to slaughter, to usurp under false pretenses, they call empire; and where they make a desert, they call it peace. Tacitus ignorance reality thinking By punishing men of talent we confirm their authority. Tacitus talent authority men
