A Roman historian and philosopher (56- 120) A.D. He was also the son-in-law of Agricola, the successful roman general
A reflection:
To plunder, to slaughter, to steal, these things they misname empire; and where they make a wilderness, they call it peace… Publius Tacitus
Quotes of Publius Tacitus –
“It is human nature to hate those whom you have injured”
“All enterprises that are entered into with indiscreet zeal may be pursued with great vigor at first, but are sure to collapse in the end.”
“Even for learned men, love of fame is the last thing to be given up.”
“Love of fame is the last thing even the wise give up”
“Prosperity is the measure or touchstone of virtue, for it is less difficult to bear misfortune than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.”
“It is less difficult to bear misfortunes than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.”
“The Romans brought devastation, but they called it peace.”
“They (the Romans) make a desert, and they call it peace”
“To plunder, to slaughter, to steal, these things they misname empire and where they make a wilderness, they call it peace.”
“They made a wasteland and called it peace”
“A bad peace is even worse than war.”
“They make a wilderness and call it peace.”
“In seasons of tumult and discord bad men have the most power mental and moral excellence require peace and quietness.”
Publius Cornelius Tacitus – “In times of tumult and discord, bad men have the most power; mental and moral excellence require peace and quietness.”
“The lust for power, for dominating others, inflames the heart more than any other passion.”
“He had a certain frankness and generosity, qualities indeed which turn to a man’s ruin, unless tempered with discretion.”
“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.”
“Custom adapts itself to expediency.”
Closing Comments
In closing, it might seem appropriate to ask whether the 2000 years of human development that have evolved since Cornelius Tacitus made his reflections give us hope that all will be well in the next 2000 years. Maybe, slowly, ever so slowly, we are coming out of our Neanderthal caves of our forefathers? What do you think?