C. Sallustius Crispus, Bellum Catilinae 2.3–6

Sallust argues that the virtues needed to win power are the same ones needed to keep it, and that when idleness and arrogance replace self-discipline, fortune shifts accordingly.

 

Tier 1

Sed si virtus animi et regnum et imperatorum fortis erat ita in pace ut in bello,

res humanae se haberent firmius et constantius, tu non videres aliud ferri alio et tu non videres omnia mutari miscerique.

Nam imperium iis artibus facile retinetur, ex quibus artibus imperium oritur.

Sed ubi desidia (idleness) pro labore invasit, libido pro aequitate et superbia pro continentia invaserunt, eodem tempore fortuna inmutatur cum moribus,

ita imperium semper transfertur a bono ad optimum.

Written by Robert Amstutz

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