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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

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Tacitus
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Gallia Bracata
Publius Cornelius Tacitus
Gaius Cornelius Tacitus
P. Cornelius Tacitus
C. Cornelius Tacitus
Cornelius Tacitus
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All bodies are slow in growth but rapid in decay.
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Even for learned men, love of fame is the last thing to be given up.
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Falsehood avails itself of haste and uncertainty.
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The principal office of history I take to be this: to prevent virtuous actions from being forgotten, and that evil words and deeds should fear an infamous reputation with posterity.
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In all things there is a kind of law of cycles. [Lat., Rebus cunctis inest quidam velut orbis.]
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The lust for power, for dominating others, inflames the heart more than any other passion.
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Following Emporer Nero's command, Let the Christians be exterminated!: . . . they [the Christians] were made the subjects of sport they were covered with the hides of wild beasts and worried to death by dogs, or nailed to crosses or set fire to, and when the day waned, burned to serve for the evening lights.
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In all things there is a law of cycles.
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Noble character is best appreciated in those ages in which it can most readily develop.
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When men of talents are punished, authority is strengthened. [Lat., Punitis ingeniis, gliscit auctoritas.]
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In stirring up tumult and strife, the worst men can do the most, but peace and quiet cannot be established without virtue.
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There was more courage in bearing trouble than in escaping from it the brave and the energetic cling to hope, even in spite of fortune the cowardly and the indolent are hurried by their fears,' said Plotius Firmus, Roman Praetorian Guard.
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Power won by crime no one ever yet turned to a good purpose.
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Whatever is unknown is magnified.
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The gods are on the side of the stronger.
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None make a greater show of sorrow than those who are most delighted.
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The love of dominion is the most engrossing passion.
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Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges.
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Indeed, the crowning proof of their valour and their strength is that they keep up their superiority without harm to others.
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No one would have doubted his ability to reign had he never been emperor.
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