5 phrases from Tacitus

Reading phrases by Tacitus is taking a trip to the classical world. Not many details are known about the life of this Roman, but he did have a brilliant political career in which he reached the rank of consul.

Gaius Cornelius Tacitus was a politician and historian of ancient Rome. whose literary work was abundant, although not all of it has survived to this day. From what we do know, we know that he is an interesting thinker with very particular ideas.

Who was Tacitus?

This historian and Roman consul was born in Rome in the year 55 AD. C, it is believed. From what is known, he was a prolific writer, author of works such as Agriculturalbiography dedicated to his father-in-law, Gnaeus Julius Agricola, a Roman general who fought in Britain.

Among his legacy with the most imprint, it is also worth highlighting Annalswhere how much the history of the emperors of the Julius-Claudian dynasty since Tiberius. It also highlights storiesin this case dedicated to the Flavian dynasty.

These works represent a recreation of a turbulent period in Rome. They offer impeccable portraits that have allowed us to better understand what one of the greatest empires of the classical world and the history of human civilization itself was like.

Through the works of Tacitus, we can meet the great characters of their time, in its weaknesses and in its strengths. All this for the greater glory of Rome, since this author shows in his writings a certain nostalgia for the greatness of the empire and the Republic.

Tacitus Quotes

Now, we are going to go to ancient Rome through the phrases of Tacitus. In each of his sentences we can also enjoy little pills of wisdom thanks to the talent of this biographer and writer from the classical world.

The power

As we have commented, Tacitus was nostalgic for the Republic. Phrases like this denote this nostalgia, demonstrating that, when power is achieved through non-licit and legal means, it will rarely be with an honest purpose for the benefit of citizens.

The dignity

Dignity and honor were important values ​​in ancient Rome. Today, they still should be. In this case, we could say that Tacitus values ​​those people who are upright in their actions and in their daily lives, compared to others who base their attitudes and actions on ends that justify the means, no matter how unethical these may be.

Education and laws

Education as a backbone element has been a topic that has always been present as a social concern. However, when it does not exist, or is simply deficient, personal interest and the instrumentalization of the weak begins to gain prominence.

Thus, in the absence of education, both the state and represented citizens end up needing a large number of regulatory laws. It is partly due to a lack of common sense, empathy, generosity and solidarity. The lack of balanced ethics and morality means that everything must be regulated, whether out of interest, to protect the weakest, to favor the wealthiest…

What’s to come

This phrase is reminiscent of a very popular saying: “better bad for being known than good for being known.” Perhaps it is excessive to radicalize, but it is evident that Not everything that is to come has to be so goodjust as not everything we experience in the present is as bad as we sometimes think.

In reality, the meaning of this phrase from Tacitus could be found in common sense. Not everything that is to come is wonderful, so It is better to live the present and not constantly dream about what awaits you in the future.

The critics

Another phrase that can find its equivalent in the proverb: “it is not those who want to offend, but those who can.” Maybe if a criticism bothers us a lot, it is because it has hit the nail on the head and what is said about us is really true.

These phrases from Tacitus are full of knowledge, respect and years of thoughts and reflections. It is always good to approach the wise men of yesteryear, because only by knowing the past can we live in the present and improve the future.

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