Quote

Power acquired by guilt was never used for a good purpose. [Lat., Imperium flagitio acquisitum nemo unquam bonis artibus exercuit.]

Tacitus

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

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
Nemo
Acquired
Guilt
Purpose
Power
Used
Good
Never
Imperium

More quotes by Tacitus

Image
Following Emporer Nero's command, Let the Christians be exterminated!: . . . they [the Christians] were made the subjects of sport they were covered with the hides of wild beasts and worried to death by dogs, or nailed to crosses or set fire to, and when the day waned, burned to serve for the evening lights.
Tacitus
Image
The grove is the centre of their whole religion. It is regarded as the cradle of the race and the dwelling-place of the supreme god to whom all things are subject and obedient.
Tacitus
Image
Forethought and prudence are the proper qualities of a leader. [Lat., Ratio et consilium, propriae ducis artes.]
Tacitus
Image
The gods are on the side of the stronger.
Tacitus
Image
Valor is the contempt of death and pain.
Tacitus
Image
In all things there is a law of cycles.
Tacitus
Image
Once killing starts, it is difficult to draw the line.
Tacitus
Image
Greater things are believed of those who are absent.
Tacitus
Image
If you would know who controls you see who you may not criticise.
Tacitus
Image
Even the bravest men are frightened by sudden terrors.
Tacitus
Image
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
Image
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.
Tacitus
Image
It belongs to human nature to hate those you have injured.
Tacitus
Image
Kindness, so far as we can return it, is agreeable.
Tacitus
Image
Old things are always in good repute, present things in disfavor.
Tacitus
Image
Many who seem to be struggling with adversity are happy many, amid great affluence, are utterly miserable.
Tacitus
Image
The repose of nations cannot be secure without arms, armies cannot be maintained without pay, nor can the pay be produced without taxes
Tacitus
Image
Style, like the human body, is specially beautiful when, so to say, the veins are not prominent, and the bones cannot be counted, but when a healthy and sound blood fills the limbs, and shows itself in the muscles, and the very sinews become beautiful under a ruddy glow and graceful outline.
Tacitus
Image
They terrify lest they should fear.
Tacitus
Image
Candor and generosity, unless tempered by due moderation, leads to ruin.
Tacitus