The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.
TacitusRead
Old things are always in good repute, present things in disfavor.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People often admire the past while being critical of the present.
This quote by Tacitus suggests that there is a tendency to romanticize past experiences and achievements while being skeptical or critical of current circumstances. It reflects a common human behavior where nostalgia for old times contrasts with a distrust of what is happening in the present moment, indicating a bias in perception based on temporal perspective.
Themes
NostalgiaPerceptionHistoryCriticismHuman Behavior
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used during a speech reflecting on societal change and how we often look back at history with admiration.
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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