Tacitus Quotes

Some might consider him as too fond of fame; for the desire for glory clings even to the best men longer than any other passion.

Tiberii Gaique et Claudii ac Neronis res florentibus ipsis ob metum falsae, postquam occiderant, recentibus odiis compositae sunt. inde consilium mihi pauca de Augusto et extrema tradere, mox Tiberii principatum et cetera, sine ira et studio, quorum causas procul habeo.

For I deem it to be the chief function of history to rescue merit from oblivion, and to hold up before evil words and evil deeds the terror of the reprobation of posterity.

Divisa inter exercitum ducesque munia: militibus cupidinem pugnandi convenire, duces providendo, consultando, cunctatione saepius quam temeritate prodesse. ut pro virili portione armis ac manu victoriam iuverit, ratione et consilio, propriis ducis artibus, profuturum.

On the whole, one would say that their strength is in their infantry, which fights along with the cavalry; admirably adapted to the action of the latter is the swiftness of certain foot soldiers, who are picked from the entire youth of their country, and stationed in front of the line.

Neque femina amissa pudicitia alia abnuerit.

When men of talents are punished, authority is strengthened.

Quanquam severa illic matrimonia

There will be vices as long as there are men.

He possessed a peculiar talent of producing effect in whatever he said or did.

Pacem sine dubio post haec, verum cruentam.

Habet aliquid ex iniquo omne magnum exemplum, quod contra singulos, utilitate publica rependitus.

What is today supported by precedents will hereafter become a precedent.

Deos fortioribus adesse.

Nihil deorum honoribus relictum, cum se templis et effigie numinum per flamines et sacerdotes coli vellet.