Sallust
Sallust
Gaius Sallustius Crispus, usually anglicised as Sallust, was a Roman historian, politician, and novus homo from a provincial plebeian family. Sallust was born at Amiternum in the country of the Sabines and was a popularis, an opponent of the old Roman aristocracy, throughout his career, and later a partisan of Julius Caesar. Sallust is the earliest known Roman historian with surviving works to his name, of which Catiline's War, The Jugurthine War, and the Historiesare still extant. Sallust was primarily...
NationalityRoman
ProfessionHistorian
liars ambition cutting
It is the nature of ambition to make men liars and cheats, to hide the truth in their breasts, and show, like jugglers, another thing in their mouths, to cut all friendships and enmities to the measure of their own interest, and to make a good countenance without the help of good will.
wise soul trying
Prosperity tries the souls even of the wise.
mean men evil
A good man would prefer to be defeated than to defeat injustice by evil means.
empires harmony states
For harmony makes small states great, while discord undermines the mightiest empires.
law brave victory
It is a law of human nature that in victory even the coward may boast of his prowess, while defeat injures the reputation even of the brave.
excellence fleeting riches
The renown which riches or beauty confer is fleeting and frail mental excellence is a splendid and lasting possession.
hatred angry
He that will be angry for anything will be angry for nothing.
powerful light merit
Distinguished ancestors shed a powerful light on their descendants, and forbid the concealment either of their merits or of their demerits.
art names engagement
In my opinion, he only may be truly said to live and enjoy his being who is engaged in some laudable pursuit, and acquires a name by some illustrious action, or useful art.
government precedent
Every bad precedent originated as a justifiable measure.
liberty dignity higher
The higher your station, the less your liberty.
fall community pieces
Small communities grow great through harmony, great ones fall to pieces through discord.
passion light shadow
Fame is the shadow of passion standing in the light
feelings tears sincerity
Those most moved to tears by every word of a preacher are generally weak and a rascal when the feelings evaporate.