Quotes About Authority

Victories in the field," he commented, "count for little if the right decisions are not taken at home.

he was also convinced that a strong executive authority should replace the incompetent competitive cockpit of Senatorial government.

WHAT NOW TOOK PLACE FLOWED from a mismatch of expectations between the dictator and the political nation

yet eager to command others;

and called for Augustus to be appointed dictator.

There was no hesitation now to address Octavian as Caesar;

Caesar himself almost certainly did not aim at kingship.

the princeps would often arrive late and leave early, letting his guests start and finish without him.

in February of 44 B.C. he had himself declared dictator for life.

This was Publius Cornelius Scipio Nasica ("big nose"). A senior politician who had held all the great offices of state and was now pontifex maximus, or high priest, he had a high opinion of himself: at a noisy public meeting, he once said, "Be quiet, please, citizens. I know more about the public interest than you do.

Immediately, a codicillus, an order, was sent to Planasia to execute Agrippa Postumus.

of both Hirtius and Pansa—had placed Octavian in an extraordinarily powerful position.

Octavian decided that they should be put to death.

The tribune in command of Agrippa's guard told a centurion to see to the matter.

the Senate ordered that the dead consuls' armies should be handed over to Decimus Brutus, he refused

He insulted the more distinguished of the captives who came before him for judgment

he now controlled eight legions, loyal to him rather than the Republic.

Tiberius was persuaded to remain silent. The matter was closed.

Octavian merely replied: "That's a matter for the carrion birds to decide.

government by three men did not promise stability.

Now that Livia had become Julia Augusta, she had an official constitutional position

For some years he had been awarded tribunicia sacrosanctitas, or the immunity from physical attack

Now he decided to assume tribunicia potestas in perpetuity:

he would enjoy the power of a tribune without actually having to hold the post.