Edward Gibbon

Quotes

Benevolence is the foundation of Justice, since we are forbidden to injure those we are bound to assist. A prophet may reveal the secrets of Heaven and futurity, but in his moral precepts he can only repeat the lessons of our own hearts.
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
To an active mind, indolence is more painful than labor ...
- Work
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
In the spirit of enthusiasm or vanity, the prophet [Muhammad] rests the truth of his mission on the merit of his book; audaciously challenges both men and angels to imitate the beauties of a single page; and presumes to assert that God alone could dictate this incomparable performance. This argument is most powerfully addressed to a devout Arabian, whose mind is attuned to faith and rapture; whose ear is delighted by the music of sounds; and whose ignorance is incapable of comparing the productions of human genius... If the composition of the Koran exceed the faculties of a man to what superior intelligence should we ascribe the Iliad of Homer, or the Philippics of Demosthenes?
- Religion
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
Revenge is profitable, gratitude is expensive.
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
The incredible speed which Maximin exerted in his flight is much more celebrated than his prowess in the battle.
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
Such was the unhappy condition of the Roman emperors, that, whatever might be their conduct, their fate was commonly the same. A life of pleasure or virtue, of severity or mildness, of indolence or glory, alike led to an untimely grave; and almost every reign is closed by the same disgusting repetition of treason and murder.
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
A state of scepticism and suspense may amuse a few inquisitive minds. But the practice of superstition is so congenial to the multitude that, if they are forcibly awakened, they still regret the loss of their pleasing vision. ... So urgent on the vulgar is the necessity of believing, that the fall of any system of mythology will most probably be succeeded by the introduction of some other mode of superstition.
- Religion
- Faith
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
Constantine was satisfied that secret impunity would be less pernicious than public scandal, and the Nicene council was edified by his public declaration, that, if he surprised a bishop in the act of adultery, he should cast his Imperial mantle over the episcopal sinner.
- Hypocrisy
- Appearances
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
When Aurelian assumed his seat, his manly grace and majestic figure taught the barbarians to revere the person as well as the purple of the conqueror.
- Power
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.
- Success and failure
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
Like Augustus, Diocletian may be considered as the founder of a new empire.
- History
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
The theologian may indulge the pleasing task of describing Religion as she descended from Heaven, arrayed in her native purity. A more melancholy duty is imposed on the historian. He must discover the inevitable mixture of error and corruption which she contracted in a long residence upon earth, among a weak and degenerate race of beings.
- Religion
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire