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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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Publius Cornelius Tacitus
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Power acquired by guilt was never used for a good purpose. [Lat., Imperium flagitio acquisitum nemo unquam bonis artibus exercuit.]
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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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Rulers always hate and suspect the next in succession. [Lat., Suspectum semper invisumque dominantibus qui proximus destinaretur.]
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Even for learned men, love of fame is the last thing to be given up.
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The powerful hold in deep remembrance an ill-timed pleasantry. [Lat., Facetiarum apud praepotentes in longum memoria est.]
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In all things there is a law of cycles.
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Other men have acquired fame by industry, but this man by indolence.
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[That form of] eloquence, the foster-child of licence, which fools call liberty. [Lat., Eloquentia, alumna licentiae, quam stulti libertatem vocabant.]
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Kindness, so far as we can return it, is agreeable.
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I am my nearest neighbour.
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None make a greater show of sorrow than those who are most delighted.
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Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges.
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Custom adapts itself to expediency.
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Old things are always in good repute, present things in disfavor.
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Crime succeeds by sudden despatch honest counsels gain vigor by delay.
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He (Tiberius) was wont to mock at the arts of physicians, and at those who, after thirty years of age, needed counsel as to what was good or bad for their bodies.
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Reckless adventure is the fool's hazard.
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Candor and generosity, unless tempered by due moderation, leads to ruin.
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Those in supreme power always suspect and hate their next heir.
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Things forbidden have a secret charm.
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