263 Quotes by Tacitus

Flatterers are the worst kind of enemies. [Lat., Pessimum genus inimicorum laudantes.]

In careless ignorance they think it civilization, when in reality it is a portion of their slavery...To ravage, to slaughter, to usurp under false pretenses, they call empire; and where they make a desert, they call it peace.

People flatter us because they can depend upon our credulity.

The customs of the Jews are base and abominable and owe their persistence to their depravity. Jews are extremely loyal to one another, always ready to show compassion, but towards every other people they feel only hate and enimity. As a race (the Jews are not a race, because they have mingled with the other races to the point that they are only a people, not a race), they are prone to lust; among themselves nothing is unlawful.

Flattery labors under the odious charge of servility.

It is human to hate those whom we have injured.

Falsehood avails itself of haste and uncertainty.

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

Experience teaches. [Lat., Experientia docet.]