Quote by Tacitus

To plunder, to slaughter, to steal, these things they misname empire; and where they make a wilderness, they call it peace.

To plunder, to slaughter, to steal, these things they misnam

Summary

This quote by Tacitus criticizes the actions taken by empires in the name of progress and stability. Tacitus suggests that the seemingly noble acts of conquest and control are actually characterized by violence and injustice. The plundering, slaughtering, and stealing that often accompany imperial expansion are conveniently labeled as empire-building, while the destruction and devastation caused are masked under the faÃ§ade of peace. Tacitus implies that these actions merely serve to create desolation and chaos, contradicting the notion of bringing true tranquility to the conquered lands.

By Tacitus

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