Tacitus
Tacitus
PubliusCornelius Tacituswas a senator and a historian of the Roman Empire. The surviving portions of his two major works—the Annals and the Histories—examine the reigns of the Roman emperors Tiberius, Claudius, Nero, and those who reigned in the Year of the Four Emperors. These two works span the history of the Roman Empire from the death of Augustus in AD 14 to the years of the First Jewish–Roman War in AD 70. There are substantial lacunae in the surviving texts,...
NationalityRoman
ProfessionHistorian
evil noble deeds
The task of history is to hold out for reprobation every evil word and deed, and to hold out for praise every great and noble word and deed.
office evil deeds
The principal office of history I take to be this: to prevent virtuous actions from being forgotten, and that evil words and deeds should fear an infamous reputation with posterity.
history evil deeds
This I regard as history's highest function, to let no worthy action be uncommemorated, and to hold out the reprobation of posterity as a terror to evil words and deeds.
actions deeds evil fear history infamous office prevent principle reputation virtuous words
The principle office of history I take to be this: to prevent virtuous actions from being forgotten, and that evil words and deeds should fear an infamous reputation with posterity.
bear last learned love men
Love of fame is the last thing even learned men can bear to be parted from.
human nature whom
It is human nature to hate the man whom you have hurt.
bear less misfortune prosperity remain touchstone
Prosperity is the measure or touchstone of virtue, for it is less difficult to bear misfortune than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.
When the state is most corrupt, then the laws are most multiplied.
easier found injury
It is always easier to requite an injury than a service: gratitude is a burden, but revenge is found to pay.
power legion
Legions and fleets are not such sure bulwarks of imperial power as a numerous family
men fame indolence
Other men have acquired fame by industry, but this man by indolence.
art years medicine
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.
ultras dare cowardly
A cowardly populace which will dare nothing beyond talk. [Lat., Vulgus ignavum et nihil ultra verba ausurum.]
appreciation common esteem
It is common, to esteem most what is most unknown.