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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.]

Tacitus

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Tacitus
Annalist
Biographer
Historian
Jurist
Military Personnel
Philosopher
Poet
Politician
Gallia Bracata
Publius Cornelius Tacitus
Gaius Cornelius Tacitus
P. Cornelius Tacitus
C. Cornelius Tacitus
Cornelius Tacitus
Fools
Fool
Liberty
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Call
Quam
Form
Licence
Children
Foster
Eloquence

More quotes by Tacitus

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Whatever is unknown is magnified.
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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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The love of fame is the last weakness which even the wise resign.
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None make a greater show of sorrow than those who are most delighted.
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Liberty is given by nature even to mute animals.
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Eloquence wins its great and enduring fame quite as much from the benches of our opponents as from those of our friends.
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We see many who are struggling against adversity who are happy, and more although abounding in wealth, who are wretched.
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We extol ancient things, regardless of our own times. [Lat., Vetera extollimus recentium incuriosi.]
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Kindness, so far as we can return it, is agreeable.
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Falsehood avails itself of haste and uncertainty.
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The lust of fame is the last that a wise man shakes off.
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Even the bravest men are frightened by sudden terrors.
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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.
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They terrify lest they should fear.
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Posterity allows to every man his true value and proper honours.
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Valor is the contempt of death and pain.
Tacitus
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Flattery labors under the odious charge of servility.
Tacitus
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Those in supreme power always suspect and hate their next heir.
Tacitus
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The hatred of relatives is the most violent.
Tacitus
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Many who seem to be struggling with adversity are happy many, amid great affluence, are utterly miserable.
Tacitus