The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.
TacitusRead
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.
Interpretation
Great events often become obscured over time due to misunderstandings and misinformation.
This quote by Tacitus reflects on how significant historical events can become clouded by hearsay and the subjective nature of truth. It suggests that both the acceptance of unfounded claims and the distortion of facts can thrive in society, leading future generations to misinterpret or misremember the realities of the past, showing the fragility of truth over time.
In practice
This quote could be used in a discussion on how historical narratives are shaped by those in power.
The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.
In private enterprises men may advance or recede, whereas they who aim at empire have no alternative between the highest success and utter downfall.
Great empires are not maintained by timidity.
Things are not to be judged good or bad merely because the public think so.
The brave and bold persist even against fortune; the timid and cowardly rush to despair though fear alone.
If you would know who controls you see who you may not criticise.
Too much openness and you accept every notion, idea, and hypothesis-which is tantamount to knowing nothing. Too much skepticism-especially rejection of new ideas before they are adequately tested-and you're not only unpleasantly grumpy, but also closed to the advance of science. A judicious mix is what we need.
I'm fed up to the ears with old men dreaming up wars for young men to die in.
I even agree that the concept of god helps some people lead better lives. That does happen. Don't ever forget it. I just think there are better ways to help people lead better lives.
I leave Sisyphus at the foot of the mountain. One always finds one's burden again. But Sisyphus teaches the higher fidelity that negates the gods and raises rocks. He too concludes that all is well. This universe henceforth without a master seems to him neither sterile nor futile. Each atom of that stone, each mineral flake of that night-filled mountain, in itself, forms a world. The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man's heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy.
Every physicist knows that things connect with each other. To isolate things is not the way the universe works - winning best actor is arbitrary.
I think it's relatively easy for people to accept something like telepathy or precognition or teleplasm because their willingness to believe doesn't cost them anything. It doesn't keep them awake nights. But the idea that the evil that men do lives after them is unsettling.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.