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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
Children
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Licence

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Lust of power is the most flagrant of all the passions.
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In careless ignorance they think it civilization, when in reality it is a portion of their slavery...To ravage, to slaughter, to usurp under false pretenses, they call empire and where they make a desert, they call it peace.
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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 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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Custom adapts itself to expediency.
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It is less difficult to bear misfortunes than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.
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I am my nearest neighbour.
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Flattery labors under the odious charge of servility.
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Even honor and virtue make enemies, condemning, as they do, their opposites by too close a contrast.
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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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No one would have doubted his ability to reign had he never been emperor.
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Legions and fleets are not such sure bulwarks of imperial power as a numerous family
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You might believe a good man easily, a great man with pleasure. -Bonum virum facile crederes, magnum libenter
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Seek to make a person blush for their guilt rather than shed their blood.
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None make a greater show of sorrow than those who are most delighted.
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It is of eloquence as of a flame it requires matter to feed it, and motion to excite it and it brightens as it burns.
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Once killing starts, it is difficult to draw the line.
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Reckless adventure is the fool's hazard.
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The more numerous the laws, the more corrupt the government.
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