Livy
Known as Livy in English, wrote a monumental history of Rome, Ab Urbe Condita, from its founding (traditionally dated to 753 BC) through the reign of Augustus.
The troubles which have come upon us always seem more serious than those which are only threatening.
Rome has grown since its humble beginnings that it is now overwhelmed by its own greatness.
Passions are generally roused from great conflict.
The populace is like the sea, motionless in itself, but stirred by every wind, even the lightest breeze.
Men are only too clever at shifting blame from their own shoulders to those of others.
Toil and pleasure, dissimilar in nature, are nevertheless united by a certain natural bond.
The old Romans all wished to have a king over them because they had not yet tasted the sweetness of freedom.
We feel public misfortunes just so far as they affect our private circumstances, and nothing of this nature appeals more directly to us than the loss of money.
Better and safer is an assured peace than a victory hoped for. The one is in your own power, the other is in the hands of the gods.
There is nothing that is more often clothed in an attractive garb than a false creed.
All things will be clear and distinct to the man who does not hurry; haste is blind and improvident.
Greater is our terror of the unknown.
Envy like fire always makes for the highest points.
Potius sero quam numquam.
Fame opportunely despised often comes back redoubled.
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.
Many things complicated by nature are restored by reason.
No law can possibly meet the convenience of every one: we must be satisfied if it be beneficial on the whole and to the majority.
He would not anticipate those counsels which are rather bestowed by circumstances on men, than by men on circumstances.
Good fortune and a good disposition are rarely given to the same man.