The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.
TacitusRead
One who is allowed to sin, sins less
Interpretation
What this quote means
Permitting someone to make a mistake can lead them to be more cautious in their actions.
The quote by Tacitus suggests that when individuals are given the freedom to make choices, including the choice to err, they often learn from their experiences and, as a result, may engage in less wrongdoing over time. This reflects a deeper philosophical understanding of autonomy, consequences, and the human capacity for growth and learning through mistakes.
Themes
SinFreedomChoiceLearningGrowthAutonomy
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophy class discussing moral responsibility, this quote could be used to illustrate the concept of personal growth through mistakes.
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.
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Great empires are not maintained by timidity.
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Things are not to be judged good or bad merely because the public think so.
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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.
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