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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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The images of twenty of the most illustrious families the Manlii, the Quinctii, and other names of equal splendour were carried before it [the bier of Junia]. Those of Brutus and Cassius were not displayed but for that very reason they shone with pre-eminent lustre.
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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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Benefits received are a delight to us as long as we think we can requite them when that possibility is far exceeded, they are repaid with hatred instead of gratitude.
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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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In a state where corruption abounds, laws must be very numerous.
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None make a greater show of sorrow than those who are most delighted.
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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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A desire to resist oppression is implanted in the nature of man.
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Posterity allows to every man his true value and proper honours.
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Flatterers are the worst kind of enemies. [Lat., Pessimum genus inimicorum laudantes.]
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People flatter us because they can depend upon our credulity.
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Laws were most numerous when the commonwealth was most corrupt
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Candor and generosity, unless tempered by due moderation, leads to ruin.
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Reckless adventure is the fool's hazard.
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We extol ancient things, regardless of our own times. [Lat., Vetera extollimus recentium incuriosi.]
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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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Viewed from a distance, everything is beautiful.
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Perdomita Britannia et statim omissa. Britain was conquered and immediately lost.
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Kindness, so far as we can return it, is agreeable.
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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.
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