The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.
TacitusRead
Things are not to be judged good or bad merely because the public think so.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of independent thought over popular opinion.
Tacitus suggests that the morality or quality of things should not be determined solely by public consensus. Instead, individuals should evaluate matters based on their own reasoning and principles, rather than conforming to popular judgment, which can often be misguided or superficial.
Themes
Independent ThoughtPublic OpinionMoralityJudgmentConsensus
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about self-reliance and critical thinking.
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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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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If you would know who controls you see who you may not criticise.
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