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
What this quote means
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.
Themes
TruthHistoryMisunderstandingEventPosterity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion on how historical narratives are shaped by those in power.
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.
TacitusRead
Great empires are not maintained by timidity.
TacitusRead
Things are not to be judged good or bad merely because the public think so.
TacitusRead
The brave and bold persist even against fortune; the timid and cowardly rush to despair though fear alone.
TacitusRead
If you would know who controls you see who you may not criticise.
TacitusRead
Similar quotes
You don't understand, you fool' says Yegor, looking dreamily up at the sky. 'You've never understood what kind of person I am, nor will you in a million years... You just think I'm a mad person who has thrown his life away... Once the free spirit has taken hold of a man, there's no way of getting it out of him.
Anton ChekhovRead
No lusting after your neighbor's house - or wife or servant or maid or ox or donkey. Don't set your heart on anything that is your neighbor's.
MosesRead
For me there is only the traveling on paths that have heart, on any path that may have heart, and the only worthwhile challenge is to traverse its full length--and there I travel looking, looking breathlessly.
Carlos CastanedaRead
Where you find the attraction for lust and wealth considerably diminished, to whatever creed he may belong, know that his inner spirit is awakening.
Swami VivekanandaRead
Our Nation, a great stage for the acting out of great thoughts, presents the classic confrontation between Locke's views of the state of nature and Rousseau's criticism of them... Nature is raw material, worthless without the mixture of human labor; yet nature is also the highest and most sacred thing. The same people who struggle to save the snail-darter bless the pill, worry about hunting deer and defend abortion. Reverence for nature, mastery of nature- whichever is convenient.
Allan BloomRead
that while the world wasn't built for humans, we were built for the world.
John GreenRead