Cornelius TacitusCornelius Tacitus, (55-117 A.D.) Senator and historian of the Roman Empire

Cornelius Tacitus Quote

“The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.”

Cornelius TacitusCornelius Tacitus
~ Cornelius Tacitus

The Histories

Ratings and Comments


Joe, Rochester, MI

...have you checked the tax code lately?

Renee, Killingly

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Me Again
  • Reply
    Me Again    4/28/08

    I would have to agree with this quote.

    Mike, Norwalk

    A time proven absolute

    J Carlton, Calgary

    No shortage of laws is there? We don't have a "justice" system anymore, we have a "legal" system. Control control control...

    jim k, austin,tx

    And our wonderful Congress passes news ones daily.

    Ron, Decatur, GA

    "We know that the law is good when used correctly. For the law was not intended for people who do what is right." - Paul in a letter to Timothy

    Ron S., Raleigh, NC

    ......as the Constitution shrinks.

    Logan, Memphis, TN

    This is absolutely historically proven.

    RobertSRQ
    • Reply
    RobertSRQ    4/28/08

    The two always go hand in hand...

    Ken, Allyn, WA

    The more dependent the people, the more corrupt the state.

    E Archer, NYC

    Will We The People ever learn?

    warren, olathe

    Also the more corrupt the people the more numerous the laws.

    johndragon9, Boise, Id

    vote Libertarian

    calvin, Lewisville

    We are on that "Roman Road!"

    Jeff C., Kuna, ID

    State is open for interpretation. What is being referred to? A condition (of mind or emotion) or mode of being (form, structure, growth), or an autonomous territorial and politically governed region? Seems everyone thinks the latter, but could be applied to states of mind that different people are in. Even honest people need laws.

    bc98usa, North East

    "The Power Of The State exists, in that which exists by its own authority, by that which it permits, --- therefore --- the Citizen being the creator of state government is not a lawful subject of legislation.”

    Anonymous Coward, Chicago

    Vote Libertarian

    PCW, New Zealand

    Adding laws does not solve problems, just shifts the problems elsewhere - simplifying laws is the way to go.

    Mike, Milwaukee

    A companion idea: The more complex any law is, the greater the corrupt purposes concealed within it. For more on this subject I recommend "Parliament of Whores" by PJ O'Rourke and just about anything by HL Menken

    Woody, Vermont

    An even more ancient corollary. The more laws and order are made prominent, The more thieves and robbers there will be. Lao-tzu, The Way of Lao-tzu

    jim k, austin tx

    Just look around Washington for proof of this quote.

    bruski, naples FL

    5 stars for me.

    This quote nails it.

    Cheers,

    b

    Ron w13, Or

    There does seem to be a dilemma. Bringing together those in the same house, onto the same page. Many are confused concerning the application of multiple laws. There are 635 Levitical laws, carnal laws that governed one nation. Israel.
    4000 years, weather oral or written, they had the law. The law entered in because of transgressions. These laws are holy, just and good. But man is carnal, sold under sin. The law is spiritual, man is carnal. Israel would not mingle the law with faith. But they only delighted in approaching unto God. Vain in the keeping of their law. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith ( of ) Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his( grace) through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness; that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Romans 3:19 thru 28. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. We are a nation under grace ! Set at liberty and freedom. For this purpose is our experiment. These ancient doctrines can not be separate from our founding fathers, knowing very well their application and authority to do so. It does not matter if you dance, drink, smoke or play cards. It does not matter who you are, where you are from or what you were doing there. For our nation to have open arms, granting liberty and freedom to all that would come, we allow them to taste of our liberty and freedom to seek after that which( good is). If not, that is why we have jails ! Natural law is in harmony with all that God is.

    Ron w13, Or

    With a ( Firm Reliance upon Devine Providence ) ! Five words, demanding great study. Said very eloquently. Three words say it simply. ( Faith in God ) !! Salvation is of the Jews. Ancient doctrines of Liberty and Freedom. prophecy fulfilled !

    @

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