Reading the phrases of Tácito is to embark on a journey into the classical world, little is known about the life of this Roman, but he had a brilliant political career in which he became consul.
Caio Cornelius Tocito was a politician and historian of ancient Rome, whose literary work was abundant, although he did not reach the end of the day. As far as we know, we know he’s an interesting thinker with very particular ideas.
- This Roman historian and consul was born in Rome in 55 AD.
- He was a prolific writer.
- Author of books such as Agracola.
- A biography dedicated to his father-in-law.
- Cneo Julio Agracola.
- A Roman general who fought in Britain.
In his legacy it is worth mentioning Anaïs, a work in which he tells the story of the emperors of the Julio-Claudius dynasty of Tiberius, as well as Histias, dedicated to the Flavian dynasty.
These works represent a reconstruction of a convulsive period in Rome and offer impeccable portraits that allow us to experience one of the greatest empires in the classical world and the history of human civilization.
Through the work of Tácito we can meet the great characters of his time, with his strengths and weaknesses, all of which entol the greatest glory of Rome, since the author shows in his texts some nostalgia for the greatness of the empire and the Republic. .
Now let’s travel through ancient Rome through the phrases of Tácito, in each of your phrases you can also enjoy small pills of wisdom thanks to the talent of this biographer and writer of the classical world.
“Power gained by culpable means has never been exercised for good purposes. “
As we mentioned, Tácito was a nostalgic of the Republic, phrases like this denote his nostalgia, demonstrating that when power passes through illegal and legal means, it is rarely given with an honest goal in favor of citizens.
“An honorable death is preferable to an embarrassing life. “
Dignity and honor were important values in ancient Rome, in fact, they should remain so today. In this case, we can say that Tácito valued these righteous in their actions and in their daily lives, unlike others who base their attitudes and actions on purposes that justify the means, even if they are not ethical.
“A corrupt state makes many laws. “
Education as a fundamental element has always been a topical issue as a social concern, however, when there is, or is simply deficient, self-interest and the instrumentalization of the weak begin to take centre stage.
Thus, in the face of a lack of education, both the State and the citizens represented end up in need of a great deal of regulatory laws, this is partly due to a lack of common sense, empathy, generosity and solidarity. and morality forces us to regulate everything, whether out of interest, to protect the weakest, to favor the richest?
“Every foreigner is considered wonderful. “
This phrase recalls a popular saying: “The best known is better than good to know. “This cannot be generalized, but it is obvious that everything that is to come will not be so good, just as everything we live in the present is not as bad as we sometimes think.
In reality, the meaning of this little phrase can be found in common sense, everything that is about to happen will not be wonderful, so it is better to live in the present and not constantly dream of what awaits us in the future.
“Anyone who is irritated by criticism acknowledges that it has been deserved. “
Another phrase that can find its equivalent in the chorus: “It doesn’t offend whoever wants it, but who can?”Maybe if a review bothers you a lot, it’s because it says something true about you.
These tácite phrases are full of knowledge, respect and years of thought and reflection. It is always good to approach the sages of yesteryear, because only by knowing the past can we live the present and improve the future.