If you must break the law, do it to seize power: in all other cases observe it.
Julius CaesarRead
After divorce of Pompeia in 62 BC I feel that members of my family should never be suspected of breaking the law. -Meos tam suspicione quam crimine iudico carere oportere
Interpretation
Julius Caesar emphasizes the importance of family reputation and integrity over legal accusations.
In this quote, Julius Caesar reflects on the aftermath of his divorce from Pompeia, illustrating the significance he places on the honor and standing of his family. He advocates for the idea that family members should remain above suspicion of wrongdoing, conveying a broader message about the moral responsibility of individuals and maintaining a clean reputation in the eyes of society.
In practice
During a family gathering, one might invoke this quote to discuss the importance of upholding family values.
If you must break the law, do it to seize power: in all other cases observe it.
War gives the right to the conquerors to impose any condition they please upon the vanquished.
I have always reckoned the dignity of the republic of first importance and preferable to life.
As a rule, men worry more about what they can't see than about what they can.
All bad precedents begin as justifiable measures.
No one is so brave that he is not disturbed by something unexpected.
When we love and respect people, revealing to them their value, they can begin to come out from behind the walls that protect them.
He wanted to put his arms around her, but she had a darkness that seemed to stand beside her like an acquaintance that would not go away.
When you remember me, it means you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. It means that if we meet again, you will know me. It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart.
You do care a little for me, I know... but nothing to speak of, and you don't love me. I was yours once till death if you'd cared to keep me, but I'm someone else's now... and he's mine in a way that shocks you, but why don't you stop being shocked, and attend to your own happiness.
Kindness and good nature unite men more effectually and with greater strength than any agreements whatsoever, since thereby the engagements of men's hearts become stronger than the bond and obligation of words.
We all want to get along well with other people, and one way to do this is to help people feel good about themselves. If you make a person feel smart and insightful, that person will enjoy your company.
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