The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.
TacitusRead
A bad peace is even worse than war.
Interpretation
What this quote means
It suggests that a flawed or unjust peace can be more detrimental than open conflict.
This quote by Tacitus emphasizes the idea that a peace that is based on oppression, injustice, or falsehood can lead to greater suffering and unrest than a straightforward war. It highlights the importance of striving for a true and fair peace rather than settling for a superficial resolution that fails to address underlying issues.
Themes
PeaceWarJusticeConflictPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about foreign policy to emphasize the importance of genuine peace treaties.
More from Tacitus
All quotes βIn private enterprises men may advance or recede, whereas they who aim at empire have no alternative between the highest success and utter downfall.
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Great empires are not maintained by timidity.
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Things are not to be judged good or bad merely because the public think so.
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So obscure are the greatest events, as some take for granted any hearsay, whatever its source, others turn truth into falsehood, and both errors find encouragement with posterity.
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The brave and bold persist even against fortune; the timid and cowardly rush to despair though fear alone.
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