The views of the multitude are neither bad nor good. Tacitus More Quotes by Tacitus More Quotes From Tacitus Tacitus has written an entire work on the manners of the Germans. This work is short, but it comes from the pen of Tacitus, who was always concise, because he saw everything at a glance. Tacitus glancessawsmanners A cowardly populace which will dare nothing beyond talk. Tacitus ultrascowardlydare Rumor does not always err; it sometimes even elects a man. Tacitus rumordoemen A bitter jest, when it comes too near the truth, leaves a sharp sting behind it. Tacitus jestbitterinspirational If we must fall, we should boldly meet the danger. Tacitus shoulddangerfall All inconsiderate enterprises are impetuous at first, but soon lanquish. Tacitus inconsideratebusinessfirsts 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 expressionmenhistory Posterity gives to every man his true honor. Tacitus honorgivingmen 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-hopelibertyused Our magistrates discharge their duties best at the beginning; and fall off toward the end. Tacitus endslawfall If we must fall, we should boldly meet our fate. Tacitus fatemilitaryfall Every great example of punishment has in it some injustice, but the suffering individual is compensated by the public good. Tacitus punishmentexamplesuffering 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 greeknamesfather Noble character is best appreciated in those ages in which it can most readily develop. Tacitus nobleagecharacter Those in supreme power always suspect and hate their next heir. Tacitus inheritancehatepower Kindness, so far as we can return it, is agreeable. Tacitus returnkindness All ancient history was written with a moral object; the ethical interest predominates almost to the exclusion of all others. Tacitus ancientexclusionmoral 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 escapingbattlemen 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 ignorancerealitythinking By punishing men of talent we confirm their authority. Tacitus talentauthoritymen
