Reason and calm judgment, the qualities specially belonging to a leader. Tacitus More Quotes by Tacitus More Quotes From Tacitus Necessity reforms the poor, and satiety reforms the rich. Tacitus richreformpoor Experience teaches. Tacitus teachexperience They make solitude, which they call peace. Tacitus solitude The persecution of genius fosters its influence. Tacitus talentinfluencegenius Other men have acquired fame by industry, but this man by indolence. Tacitus indolencefamemen No one in Germany laughs at vice, nor do they call it the fashion to corrupt and to be corrupted. Tacitus fashionviceslaughing All those things that are now field to be of the greatest antiquity were at one time new; what we to-day hold up by example will rank hereafter as precedent. Tacitus precedentfieldsexample That cannot be safe which is not honourable. Tacitus safe Greater things are believed of those who are absent. Tacitus absent-mindednessbeliefabsence Keen at the start, but careless at the end. Tacitus carelessends Style, like the human body, is specially beautiful when, so to say, the veins are not prominent, and the bones cannot be counted, but when a healthy and sound blood fills the limbs, and shows itself in the muscles, and the very sinews become beautiful under a ruddy glow and graceful outline. Tacitus veinsstylebeautiful Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement. Tacitus agreementwinning They terrify lest they should fear. Tacitus should All enterprises that are entered into with indiscreet zeal may be pursued with great vigor at first, but are sure to collapse in the end. Tacitus vigormayfirsts Benefits are acceptable, while the receiver thinks he may return them; but once exceeding that, hatred is given instead of thanks. Tacitus benefitshatredthinking He that fights and runs away, May turn and fight another day; But he that is in battle slain, Will never rise to fight again. Tacitus battlefightingrunning Cassius and Brutus were the more distinguished for that very circumstance that their portraits were absent. Tacitus brutuscassiusportraits The repose of nations cannot be secure without arms, armies cannot be maintained without pay, nor can the pay be produced without taxes Tacitus armsarmypay The brave and bold persist even against fortune; the timid and cowardly rush to despair though fear alone. Tacitus braverycouragefear The desire of glory is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise. Tacitus lastswisedesire
