tacitus

“ The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise. ”

“ Our magistrates discharge their duties best at the beginning; and fall off toward the end. ”

“ For it is the rare fortune of these days that a man may think what he likes and say what he thinks. ”

“ Fear is not in the habit of speaking truth; when perfect sincerity is expected, perfect freedom must be allowed; nor has anyone who is apt to be angry when he hears the truth, any cause to wonder that he does not hear it. ”

“ Greater things are believed of those who are absent. ”

“ Formerly we suffered from crimes; now we suffer from laws. ”

“ In the struggle between those seeking power, there is no middle course. ”

“ Forbidden things have a secret charm. ”

“ He realized that monarchy was essential to peace, and that the price of freedom was violence and disorder. ”

“ The worst crimes were dared by a few, willed by more and tolerated by all. ”