Sallust Quotes
Born: February 26, 86 BC
Gaius Sallustius Crispus, known as Sallust, was a Roman historian and politician whose sharp observations on power and human nature transcend time. A former tribune who witnessed the decay of the Republic, he abandoned ambition to chronicle its moral collapse. His philosophy is forged in the crucible of action: he believed that great deeds require relentless will, not idle thought. Sallust’s words cut to the core of motivation, urging us to master ourselves before we can master the world. His quotes resonate because they speak to the eternal struggle between complacency and courage, making him a timeless voice for those who dare to act.
Sallust Quotes (41)
"A good man would prefer to be defeated than to defeat injustice by evil means."
— Sallust"Ambition drove many men to become false; to have one thought locked in the breast, another ready on the tongue."
— Sallust"Ambition breaks the ties of blood, and forgets the obligations of gratitude."
— Sallust"In battle it is the cowards who run the most risk; bravery is a rampart of defense."
— Sallust"Neither soldiers nor money can defend a king but only friends won by good deeds, merit, and honesty."
— Sallust"As the blessings of health and fortune have a beginning, so they must also find an end. Everything rises but to fall, and increases but to decay."
— Sallust"Those most moved to tears by every word of a preacher are generally weak and a rascal when the feelings evaporate."
— Sallust"The glory that goes with wealth is fleeting and fragile; virtue is a possession glorious and eternal."
— Sallust"They envy the distinction I have won; let them therefore, envy my toils, my honesty, and the methods by which I gained it."
— Sallust"Small communities grow great through harmony, great ones fall to pieces through discord."
— Sallust"It is a law of human nature that in victory even the coward may boast of his prowess, while defeat injures the reputation even of the brave."
— Sallust"He only seems to me to live, and to make proper use of life, who sets himself some serious work to do, and seeks the credit of a task well and skillfully performed."
— Sallust"All those who offer an opinion on any doubtful point should first clear their minds of every sentiment of dislike, friendship, anger or pity."
— Sallust"No man underestimates the wrongs he suffers; many take them more seriously than is right."
— Sallust"Distinguished ancestors shed a powerful light on their descendants, and forbid the concealment either of their merits or of their demerits."
— Sallust