The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.
TacitusRead
Greater things are believed of those who are absent.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Being absent can sometimes lead to heightened perceptions and expectations of a person.
This quote by Tacitus suggests that when someone is not present, their absence can amplify the perceptions and beliefs others have about them. People often tend to idealize those who are absent, attributing to them qualities and potential accomplishments that may not necessarily align with reality. This speaks to the human tendency to fill gaps with imagination and assumption, leading to an inflated image of someone who is not there to counter these beliefs.
Themes
AbsencePerceptionBeliefIdealizationExpectation
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting, I reminded everyone that greater things are believed of those who are absent to highlight how our absent members are often thought of as more capable.
More from Tacitus
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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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