The lust for power, for dominating others, inflames the heart more than any other passion.

Whatever is unknown is magnified

They make a wilderness and call it peace.

Bitter the jest when satire comes too near truth and leaves a sharp sting behind it

A desire to resist oppression is implanted in the nature of man.

It is less difficult to bear misfortunes than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.

It is of eloquence as of a flame; it requires matter to feed it, and motion to excite it; and it brightens as it burns

The desire for fame is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise

The Romans brought devestation, but they called it peace.

This I hold to be the chief office of history, to rescue virtuous actions from the oblivion to which a want of records would consign them, and that men should feel a dread of being...

The gods are on the side of the stronger

Posterity will pay everyone their due.

Forbidden things have a secret charm

Custom adapts itself to expediency

It is only necessary to make war with five things: with the maladies of the body, with the ignorance of the mind, with the passions of the body, with the sedition of the city, with...

Love of fame is the last thing even learned men can bear to be parted from.

Valor is of no service, chance rules all, and the bravest often fall by the hands of cowards.

Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.

When monarchs through their bloodthirsty commanders lay waste a country, they dignify their atrocity by calling it “Making Peace

One who is allowed to sin, sins less

Lust of power is the most flagrant of all the passions

The hatred of relatives is the most violent

To show resentment at a reproach is to acknowledge that one may have deserved it.””

No one would have doubted his ability to reign had he never been emperor.

They made a wasteland and called it peace

In seasons of tumult and discord bad men have the most power; mental and moral excellence require peace and quietness.

Necessity reforms the poor, and satiety the rich

All bodies are slow in growth but rapid in decay.

Noble character is best appreciated in those ages in which it can most readily develop.

Forethought and prudence are the proper qualities of a leader.

We bear a grudge against the people we’ve done down

The principle office of history I take to be this: to prevent virtuous actions from being forgotten, and that evil words and deeds should fear an infamous reputation with posterity.

The more corrupt the state, the more laws.

The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.

If we must fall, we should boldly meet the danger.

Old things are always in good repute, present things in disfavor.

Those in supreme power always suspect and hate their next heir.

Even the bravest men are frightened by sudden terrors.

Reason and calm judgment: the qualities especially belonging to a leader.

So, as you go into battle, remember your ancestors and remember your descendants

They (the Romans) make a desert, and they call it peace

Be assured those will be thy worst enemies, not to whom thou hast done evil, but who have done evil to thee. And those will be thy best friends, not to whom thou hast done...

More faults are often committed while we are trying to oblige than while we are giving offense

The illicit has an added charm

Many who seem to be struggling with adversity are happy; many, amid great affluence, are utterly miserable.

It is easier for a republican form of government to be applauded than realized

Truth is confirmed by inspection and delay; falsehood by haste and uncertainty.

Greater things are believed of those who are absent

When men are full of envy, they disparage everything, whether it be good or bad

When the state is most corrupt, then the laws are most multiplied.