The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.
TacitusRead
An eminent reputation is as dangerous as a bad one.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A high reputation can be as perilous as a negative one, both leading to potential pitfalls.
Tacitus suggests that having an eminent reputation brings its own set of challenges and dangers, sometimes making a person vulnerable to scrutiny and unrealistic expectations. Just as a bad reputation can lead to trust issues and isolation, a high reputation can create pressure to maintain that status and might engender jealousy or resentment from others.
Themes
ReputationDangerExpectationsScrutinyPressure
In practice
Example use cases
During a public speaking event, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of humility despite success.
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.
TacitusRead
Great empires are not maintained by timidity.
TacitusRead
Things are not to be judged good or bad merely because the public think so.
TacitusRead
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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