Livy Quotes

Luck rules every human endeavor, especially war.

Resistance to criminal rashness comes better late than never.

Woe to the conquered.

The mind sins, not the body; if there is no intention, there is no blame.

An honor prudently declined often returns with increased luster.

Rome has grown since its humble beginnings that it is now overwhelmed by its own greatness.

Avarice and luxury, those evils which have been the ruin of every great state.

Envy is blind, and she has no other quality than that of detracting from virtue

Fame opportunely despised often comes back redoubled.

Persevere in virtue and diligence.

No wickedness proceeds on any grounds of reason.

Men are least safe from what success induces them not to fear.

...war is just to those for whom it is necessary, and arms are clear of impiety for those who have no hope left but in arms.

Men are seldom blessed with good fortune and good sense at the same time.

Nothing hurts worse than the loss of money.

This was the Athenians' war against the King of Macedon, a war of words. Words are the only weapons the Athenians have left.

In adversity assume the countenance of prosperity, and in prosperity moderate the temper and desires.

Favor and honor sometimes fall more fitly on those who do not desire them.

The populace is like the sea motionless in itself, but stirred by every wind, even the lightest breeze.

There is always more spirit in attack than in defence.

Dignity is a matter which concerns only mankind.

That business does not prosper which you transact with the eyes of others.

Truth, they say, is but too often in difficulties, but is never finally suppressed.

All things will be clear and distinct to the man who does not hurry; haste is blind and improvident.

There is nothing man will not attempt when great enterprises hold out the promise of great rewards.

It is better that a guilty man should not be brought to trial than that he should be acquitted.

Luck is of little moment to the great general, for it is under the control of his intellect and his judgment.

A gentleman is mindful no less of the freedom of others than of his own dignity.

Men are only clever at shifting blame from their own shoulders to those of others.

This above all makes history useful and desirable; it unfolds before our eyes a glorious record of exemplary actions.

It takes a long time to bring excellence to maturity.

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.

War is just to those to whom war is necessary.

The less there is of fear, the less there is of danger.

Friendships ought to be immortal, hostilities mortal.

Shared danger is the strongest of bonds; it will keep men united in spite of mutual dislike and suspicion.

A fraudulent intent, however carefully concealed at the outset, will generally, in the end, betray itself.

By flying, men often rush into the midst of calamities.

Men are slower to recognize blessings than evils.

Friends should be judged by their acts, not their words.

From abundance springs satiety.

The old Romans all wished to have a king over them because they had not yet tasted the sweetness of freedom.

Never is work without reward, or reward without work.

There is nothing worse than being ashamed of parsimony or poverty.

The study of History is the best medicine for a sick mind.

There is nothing that is more often clothed in an attractive garb than a false creed.

Adversity reminds men of religion.

When Tarquin the Proud was asked what was the best mode of governing a conquered city, he replied only by beating down with his staff all the tallest poppies in his garden.