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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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An honorable death is better than a dishonorable life. [Lat., Honesta mors turpi vita potior.]
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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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We accomplish more by prudence than by force. [Lat., Plura consilio quam vi perficimus.]
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They terrify lest they should fear.
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Forethought and prudence are the proper qualities of a leader. [Lat., Ratio et consilium, propriae ducis artes.]
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We extol ancient things, regardless of our own times. [Lat., Vetera extollimus recentium incuriosi.]
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Once killing starts, it is difficult to draw the line.
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Falsehood avails itself of haste and uncertainty.
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This I regard as history's highest function, to let no worthy action be uncommemorated, and to hold out the reprobation of posterity as a terror to evil words and deeds.
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The unknown always passes for the marvellous.
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In private enterprises men may advance or recede, whereas they who aim at empire have no alternative between the highest success and utter downfall.
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Rumor does not always err it sometimes even elects a man.
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None make a greater show of sorrow than those who are most delighted.
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Miseram pacem vel bello bene mutari. Even war is preferable to a shameful peace.
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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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It is common, to esteem most what is most unknown.
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It is a characteristic of the human mind to hate the man one has injured.
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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.
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The love of dominion is the most engrossing passion.
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Things forbidden have a secret charm.
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