Exstat et sermo eius in senatu percivilis: 'Siquidem locutus aliter fuerit, dabo operam ut rationem factorum meorum dictorumque reddam; si perseveraverit, in vicem eum odero.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He said in the senate: 'If I have spoken differently, I will work to explain my actions and words; if I persist, I will hate him in turn.'
- In plain terms
- He promised to justify himself, but warned he would turn hostile if he continued.
- What can you take from it?
- Accountability should not be a pretext for revenge.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How can leaders separate justification from retaliation?
- What impact does such a threat have on discourse?
Another view
The statement mixes accountability with personal vendetta.
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