The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.
TacitusRead
If you would know who controls you see who you may not criticise.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that understanding who or what holds power over you can be discerned by observing who you feel unable to criticize.
Tacitus highlights the relationship between power and freedom of speech. If there are individuals or institutions that you fear to criticize, it is likely that they exert control over you, whether directly or indirectly. This quote encourages self-reflection on the influences in your life and the factors that limit your ability to speak freely.
Themes
PowerControlCriticismFreedomSpeech
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a political debate to discuss limitations on free speech.
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.
TacitusRead
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