It is easy at any moment to surrender a large fortune; to build one up is a difficult and an arduous task.
LivyRead
A fraudulent intent, however carefully concealed at the outset, will generally, in the end, betray itself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Deceptive intentions will eventually reveal themselves over time.
This quote by Livy emphasizes the idea that no matter how much one tries to hide their dishonest intentions, the truth will eventually come to light. It suggests that fraudulent behavior may seem successful initially but ultimately leads to consequences that expose one's true motives.
Themes
FraudTruthIntentionsDeceptionConsequences
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about integrity in business, one might refer to this quote to highlight the importance of honesty.
More from Livy
All quotes βValor is the soldier's adornment.
LivyRead
The army from Asia introduced a foreign luxury to Rome; it was then the meals began to require more dishes and more expenditure . . . the cook, who had up to that time been employed as a slave of low price, become dear: what had been nothing but a metier was elevated to an art.
LivyRead
The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind; for in history you have a record of the infinite variety of human experience plainly set out for all to see; and in that record you can find yourself and your country both examples and warnings; fine things to take as models, base things rotten through and through, to avoid.
LivyRead
Under the influence of fear, which always leads men to take a pessimistic view of things, they magnified their enemies' resources, and minimized their own.
LivyRead
The troubles which have come upon us always seem more serious than those which are only threatening.
LivyRead
Similar quotes
I like the stars. It's the illusion of permanence, I think. I mean, they're always flaring up and caving in and going out. But from here, I can pretend...I can pretend that things last. I can pretend that lives last longer than moments. Gods come, and gods go. Mortals flicker and flash and fade. Worlds don't last; and stars and galaxies are transient, fleeting things that twinkle like fireflies and vanish into cold and dust. But I can pretend.
Neil GaimanRead
Sob, heavy world Sob as you spin, Mantled in mist Remote from the happy.
W. H. AudenRead
No man, no power, can bind the action of wizardry or still the words of power. For they are the very words of Making, and one who could silence them could unmake the world.
Ursula K. Le GuinRead
The Cosmos was not made by gods but always was and is eternal fire.
HeraclitusRead
The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
Death when unmasked shows us a friendly face and is a terror only at a distance.
Oliver GoldsmithRead