Edward Gibbon Quotes: top 100 famous quotes about Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes & Sayings

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Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Feeble and timid minds ... consider the use

Feeble and timid minds ... consider the use of dilatory and ambiguous measures as the most admirable efforts of consummate prudence. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: [Every age], however destitute of science or virtue,

[Every age], however destitute of science or virtue, sufficiently abounds with acts of blood and military renown. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: And it was the part of a wise

And it was the part of a wise man to forget inevitable calamities of human life in the enjoyment of the fleeting hour. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Boethius might have been styled happy, if that

Boethius might have been styled happy, if that precarious epithet could be safely applied before the last term of the life of man. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The great work of Gibbon is indispensable to

The great work of Gibbon is indispensable to the student of history. The literature of Europe offers no substitute for "The — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: My early and invincible love of readingI would

My early and invincible love of reading
I would not exchange for the treasures of India. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The science of the laws is the slow

The science of the laws is the slow growth of time and experience. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: A reformer should be exempt from the suspicion

A reformer should be exempt from the suspicion of interest, and he must possess the confidence and esteem of those whom he proposes to reclaim. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: I make it a point never to argue

I make it a point never to argue with people for whose opinion I have no respect. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Of the various forms of government which have

Of the various forms of government which have prevailed in the world, an hereditary monarchy seems to present the fairest scope for ridicule. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Does there exist a single instance of a

Does there exist a single instance of a saint asserting that he himself possessed the gift of miracles? — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: It is the common calamity of old age

It is the common calamity of old age to lose whatever might have rendered it desirable ... — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: [All] the manly virtues were oppressed by the

[All] the manly virtues were oppressed by the servile and pusillanimous reign of the monks. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Unprovided with original learning, unformed in the habits

Unprovided with original learning, unformed in the habits of thinking, unskilled in the arts of composition, I resolved to write a book. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Persuasion is the resource of the feeble; and

Persuasion is the resource of the feeble; and the feeble can seldom persuade ... — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: History, in fact, is no more than a

History, in fact, is no more than a list of the crimes of humanity, human follies and accidents — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: [Courage] arises in a great measure from the

[Courage] arises in a great measure from the consciousness of strength ... — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: [It] is the interest as well as duty

[It] is the interest as well as duty of a sovereign to maintain the authority of the laws. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: It was an inflexible maxim of Roman discipline

It was an inflexible maxim of Roman discipline that good soldier should dread his own officers far more than the enemy — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Language is the leading principle which unites or

Language is the leading principle which unites or separates the tribes of mankind. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Our work is the presentation of our capabilities.

Our work is the presentation of our capabilities. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: During many ages, the prediction, as it is

During many ages, the prediction, as it is usual, contributed to its own accomplishment. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: To a lover of books the shops and

To a lover of books the shops and sales in London present irresistible temptations. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The terror of the Roman arms added weight

The terror of the Roman arms added weight and dignity to the moderation of the emperors. They preserved peace by a constant preparation for war; — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: In the field of controversy I always pity

In the field of controversy I always pity the moderate party, who stand on the open middle ground exposed to the fire of both sides. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Recluse fanatics have few ideas or sentiments to

Recluse fanatics have few ideas or sentiments to communicate ... — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The monastic studies have tended, for the most

The monastic studies have tended, for the most part, to darken, rather than to dispel, the cloud of superstition. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Imam Hussain's sacrifice is for all groups and

Imam Hussain's sacrifice is for all groups and communities, an example of the path of rightousness. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The criminal penalties [for suicide] are the production

The criminal penalties [for suicide] are the production of a later and darker age. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Extreme distress, which unites the virtue of a

Extreme distress, which unites the virtue of a free people, imbitters the factions of a declining monarchy. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The possession and the enjoyment of property are

The possession and the enjoyment of property are the pledges which bind a civilised people to an improved country. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: [Arabs are] a people, whom it is dangerous

[Arabs are] a people, whom it is dangerous to provoke, and fruitless to attack. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: According to the law of custom, and perhaps

According to the law of custom, and perhaps of reason, foreign travel completes the education of an English gentleman. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The winds and waves are always on the

The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: It is the first care of a reformer

It is the first care of a reformer to prevent any future reformation. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The principles of a free constitution are irrecoverably

The principles of a free constitution are irrecoverably lost, when the legislative power is nominated by the executive. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The progress of despotism tends to disappoint its

The progress of despotism tends to disappoint its own purpose. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The separation of the Arabs from the rest

The separation of the Arabs from the rest of mankind has accustomed them to confound the ideas of stranger and enemy. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The pains and pleasures of the body, howsoever

The pains and pleasures of the body, howsoever important to ourselves, are an indelicate subject of conversation — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: [Personal] industry must be faint and languid, which

[Personal] industry must be faint and languid, which is not excited by the sense of personal interest. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The clam of peace and prosperity was once

The clam of peace and prosperity was once more experienced in the provinces; — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: In reality, Rome had grown too big for

In reality, Rome had grown too big for lots of people to handle its vast affairs any longer by committee. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: And it was an inflexible maxim of Roman

And it was an inflexible maxim of Roman discipline, that a good soldier should dread his officers far more than the enemy. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: According to the maxims of universal toleration, the

According to the maxims of universal toleration, the Romans protected a superstition which they despised. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: But a law, however venerable be the sanction,

But a law, however venerable be the sanction, cannot suddenly transform the temper of the times ... — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: But a wild democracy ... too often disdains

But a wild democracy ... too often disdains the essential principles of justice. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Fanaticism obliterates the feelings of humanity.

Fanaticism obliterates the feelings of humanity. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The vain, inconstant, rebellious disposition of the people

The vain, inconstant, rebellious disposition of the people [of Armorica], was incompatible either with freedom or servitude. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Our ignorance is God; what we know is

Our ignorance is God; what we know is science. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: [The monks'] minds were inaccessible to reason or

[The monks'] minds were inaccessible to reason or mercy ... — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Man has much more to fear from the

Man has much more to fear from the passions of his fellow-creatures, than from the convulsions of the elements. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The first and indispensable requisite of happiness is

The first and indispensable requisite of happiness is a clear conscience. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: It was no longer esteemed infamous for a

It was no longer esteemed infamous for a Roman to survive his honor and independence. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Greek is a musical and prolific language, that

Greek is a musical and prolific language, that gives a soul to the objects of sense, and a body to the abstractions of philosophy. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: But the wisdom and authority of the legislator

But the wisdom and authority of the legislator are seldom victorious in a contest with the vigilant dexterity of private interest. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: I have but one lamp by which my

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way of judging of the future but by the past. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: In a distant age and climate, the tragic

In a distant age and climate, the tragic scene of the death of Hosein will awaken the sympathy of the coldest reader. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Corruption, the most infallible symptom of constitutional liberty.

Corruption, the most infallible symptom of constitutional liberty. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Of human life, the most glorious or humble

Of human life, the most glorious or humble prospects are alike and soon bounded by the sepulchre. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The mathematics are distinguished by a particular privilege,

The mathematics are distinguished by a particular privilege, that is, in the course of ages, they may always advance and can never recede. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: There exists in human nature a strong propensity

There exists in human nature a strong propensity to depreciate the advantages, and to magnify the evils, of the present times. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The style of an author should be the

The style of an author should be the image of his mind, but the choice and command of language is the fruit of exercise. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Their poverty secured their freedom, since our desires

Their poverty secured their freedom, since our desires and our possessions are the strongest fetters of despotism. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: [The] emperor of the West, the feeble and

[The] emperor of the West, the feeble and dissolute Valentinian, [had] reached his thirty-fifth year without attaining the age of reason or courage. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The vicissitudes of fortune, which spares neither man

The vicissitudes of fortune, which spares neither man nor the proudest of his works, which buries empires and cities in a common grave. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: History is indeed little more than the register

History is indeed little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Rational confidence [is] the just result of knowledge

Rational confidence [is] the just result of knowledge and experience. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: To a philosophic eye, the vices of the

To a philosophic eye, the vices of the clergy are far less dangerous than their virtues. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Let us read with method, and propose to

Let us read with method, and propose to ourselves an end to which our studies may point. The use of reading is to aid us in thinking. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Every person has two educations, one which he

Every person has two educations, one which he receives from others, and one, more important, which he gives to himself. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Active valour may often be the present of

Active valour may often be the present of nature; but such patient diligence can be the fruit only of habit and discipline. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: They soon experienced, that those who refuse the

They soon experienced, that those who refuse the sword must renounce the sceptre. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: From the paths of blood (and such is

From the paths of blood (and such is the history of nations) I cannot refuse to turn aside to gather some flowers of science or virtue. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The inactivity of a conqueror betrays the loss

The inactivity of a conqueror betrays the loss of strength and blood ... — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The best and most important part of every

The best and most important part of every man's education is that which he gives himself. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Books are those faithful mirrors that reflect to

Books are those faithful mirrors that reflect to our mind the minds of sages and heroes. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The difference of language, dress, and manners ...

The difference of language, dress, and manners ... severs and alienates the nations of the globe. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Simon Sebag Montefiore: History is little more than the register of

History is little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind.
Edward Gibbon — Simon Sebag Montefiore

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: He forgot that the best of omens is

He forgot that the best of omens is to unsheathe our sword in the defence of our country. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The most distinguished merit of those two officers

The most distinguished merit of those two officers was their respective prowess, of the one in the combats of Bacchus, of the other in those of Venus. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: In the productions of the mind, as in

In the productions of the mind, as in those of the soil, the gifts of nature are excelled by industry and skill ... — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: History has scarcely deigned to notice [Libius Severus's]

History has scarcely deigned to notice [Libius Severus's] birth, his elevation, his character, or his death. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: [Instead] of inquiring why the Roman empire was

[Instead] of inquiring why the Roman empire was destroyed, we should rather be surprised that it had subsisted so long. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: In every deed of mischief he had a

In every deed of mischief he had a heart to resolve, a head to contrive, and a hand to execute. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: But the works of man are impotent against

But the works of man are impotent against the assaults of nature ... — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: In the end, they wanted security more than

In the end, they wanted security more than they wanted freedom. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: unchecked power corrupts.

unchecked power corrupts. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: The sentiment of fear is nearly allied to

The sentiment of fear is nearly allied to that of hatred. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: [We should] suspend our belief of every tale

[We should] suspend our belief of every tale that deviates from the laws of nature and the character of man. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: We improve ourselves by victory over our self.

We improve ourselves by victory over our self. There must be contests, and you must win. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Conversation enriches the understanding, but solitude is the

Conversation enriches the understanding, but solitude is the school of genius. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Ignorant of the arts of luxury, the primitive

Ignorant of the arts of luxury, the primitive Romans had improved the science of government and war. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: [Peace] cannot be honorable or secure, if the

[Peace] cannot be honorable or secure, if the sovereign betrays a pusillanimous aversion to war. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Fear has been the original parent of superstition,

Fear has been the original parent of superstition, every new calamity urges trembling mortals to deprecate the wrath of invisible enemies — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Another d-mn'd thick, square book! Always, scribble, scribble,

Another d-mn'd thick, square book! Always, scribble, scribble, scribble! Eh! Mr. Gibbon? — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: [In] the national and religious conflict of the

[In] the national and religious conflict of the [Byzantine and Saracen] empires, peace was without confidence, and war without mercy. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: I never make the mistake of arguing with

I never make the mistake of arguing with people for whose opinions I have no respect. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: Our toil is lessened, and our wealth is

Our toil is lessened, and our wealth is increased, by our dominion over the useful animals ... — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: All that is human must retrograde if it

All that is human must retrograde if it does not advance. — Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon Quotes By Edward Gibbon: My English text is chaste, and all licentious

My English text is chaste, and all licentious passages are left in the decent obscurity of a learned language. — Edward Gibbon