The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.
TacitusRead
When the State is corrupt, then the laws are most multiplied.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Corruption in the government leads to an increase in laws that often serve to control rather than protect.
Tacitus suggests that when a government is corrupt, it becomes necessary to create more laws in an attempt to maintain control and order. However, this multiplicity of laws often reflects a failure in governance and a deeper societal issue, indicating that the true problem lies not with the absence of laws, but with the integrity of those in power.
Themes
CorruptionGovernmentLawsControlSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about government ethics, one might quote Tacitus to illustrate the dangers of a corrupt administration.
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