Quotes from Tacitus

Valor is of no service, chance rules all, and the bravest often fall by the hands of cowards.

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.

Style like the human body is specially beautiful when the veins are not prominent and the bones cannot be counted.

[The Jews have] an attitude of hostility and hatred towards all others.

Tacitus has written an entire work on the manners of the Germans. This work is short, but it comes from the pen of Tacitus, who was always concise, because he saw everything at a glance.

All inconsiderate enterprises are impetuous at first, but soon lanquish. [Lat., Omnia inconsulti impetus coepta, initiis valida, spatio languescunt.]

Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.

Valor is the contempt of death and pain.

Prosperity is the measure or touchstone of virtue, for it is less difficult to bear misfortune than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.

A desire to resist oppression is implanted in the nature of man.

The desire of glory is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise.

It is found by experience that admirable laws and right precedents among the good have their origin in the misdeeds of others.

Experience teaches. [Lat., Experientia docet.]

Fear is not in the habit of speaking truth.

The brave and bold persist even against fortune; the timid and cowardly rush to despair though fear alone.

They terrify lest they should fear.

Liberty is given by nature even to mute animals.