The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.
TacitusRead
It is less difficult to bear misfortunes than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Facing challenges is easier than resisting temptations.
Tacitus conveys the idea that enduring hardships is often simpler than maintaining one's integrity in the face of indulgent pleasures. The quote suggests that while misfortunes can be tough, the real challenge lies in staying true to oneself and not succumbing to the corruption that pleasure can bring.
Themes
MisfortunesPleasureIntegrityTemptationCorruption
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about resilience and integrity.
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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