Quotes from Tacitus

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.

An honorable death is better than a dishonorable life. [Lat., Honesta mors turpi vita potior.]

The word liberty has been falsely used by persons who, being degenerately profligate in private life, and mischievous in public, had no hope left but in fomenting discord.

It is human nature to hate the man whom you have hurt.

Indeed, the crowning proof of their valour and their strength is that they keep up their superiority without harm to others.

In private enterprises men may advance or recede, whereas they who aim at empire have no alternative between the highest success and utter downfall.

He that fights and runs away, May turn and fight another day; But he that is in battle slain, Will never rise to fight again.

When a woman has lost her chastity she will shrink from nothing.

Then there is the usual scene when lovers are excited with each other, quarrels, entreaties, reproaches, and then fondling reconcilement.

Posterity will pay everyone their due.

All those things that are now field to be of the greatest antiquity were at one time new; what we to-day hold up by example will rank hereafter as precedent.

Be assured those will be thy worst enemies, not to whom thou hast done evil, but who have done evil to thee. And those will be thy best friends, not to whom thou hast done good, but who have done good to thee.

It is less difficult to bear misfortunes than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.

We see many who are struggling against adversity who are happy, and more although abounding in wealth, who are wretched.

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.

The love of fame is the last weakness which even the wise resign.

To show resentment at a reproach is to acknowledge that one may have deserved it.

Neglected, calumny soon expires, show that you are hurt, and you give it the appearance of truth.

A bitter jest, when it comes too near the truth, leaves a sharp sting behind it.

Truth is confirmed by inspection and delay falsehood by haste and uncertainty.

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

Abuse if you slight it, will gradually die away; but if you show yourself irritated, you will be thought to have deserved it.

The love of dominion is the most engrossing passion.

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.