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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
Annalist
Biographer
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Gallia Bracata
Publius Cornelius Tacitus
Gaius Cornelius Tacitus
P. Cornelius Tacitus
C. Cornelius Tacitus
Cornelius Tacitus
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The sciences throw an inexpressible grace over our compositions, even where they are not immediately concerned as their effects are discernible where we least expect to find them.
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If we must fall, we should boldly meet the danger. [Lat., Si cadere necesse est, occurendum discrimini.]
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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 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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No one would have doubted his ability to reign had he never been emperor.
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Posterity allows to every man his true value and proper honours.
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People flatter us because they can depend upon our credulity.
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None make a greater show of sorrow than those who are most delighted.
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I am my nearest neighbour.
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An honorable death is better than a dishonorable life. [Lat., Honesta mors turpi vita potior.]
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Greater things are believed of those who are absent.
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In a state where corruption abounds, laws must be very numerous.
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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.
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The desire for glory clings even to the best men longer than any other passion.
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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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A bad peace is even worse than war.
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A bitter jest, when it comes too near the truth, leaves a sharp sting behind it.
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Once killing starts, it is difficult to draw the line.
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In all things there is a law of cycles.
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Benefits are acceptable, while the receiver thinks he may return them but once exceeding that, hatred is given instead of thanks. [Lat., Beneficia usque eo laeta sunt dum videntur exsolvi posse ubi multum antevenere pro gratia odium redditur.]
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