Edward Gibbon

Quotes

But this splendid exaggeration, which even at present it would be extremely difficult to reconcile with the real state of mankind, can be considered only as the rash sally of a devout but careless writer, the measure of whose belief was regulated by that of his wishes. But neither the belief nor the wishes of the fathers can alter the truth of history.
- History
- Truth
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
...in the prosecution of a favourite scheme, the best of men, satisfied with the rectitude of their intentions, are subject to forget the bounds of moderation...
- Morality
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
Every mode of religion, to make a deep and lasting impression on the human mind, must exercise our obedience, by enjoining practices of devotion; and must acquire our esteem, by inculcating moral duties analogous to the dictates of our own hearts.
- Religion
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
The true interest of an absolute monarch generally coincides with that of his people. Their numbers, their wealth, their order, and their security, are the best and only foundations of his real greatness; and were he totally devoid of virtue, prudence might supply its place, and would dictate the same rule of conduct.
- Politics
- Power
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
If a man were called to fix the period in the history of the world, during which the condition of the human race was most happy and prosperous, he would, without hesitation, name that which elapsed from the death of Domitian to the accession of Commodus.
- History
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
The most civilised nations of modern Europe issued from the woods of Germany, and in the rude institutions of those barbarians we may still distinguish the original principles of our present laws and manners.
- History
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
It was easier to vanquish the Goths than to eradicate the public vices.
- Society
- Morality
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
The policy of the emperors and the senate, as far as it concerned religion, was happily seconded by the reflections of the enlightened, and by the habits of the superstitious, part of their subjects. The various modes of worship, which prevailed in the Roman world, were all considered by the people, as equally true; by the philosopher, as equally false; and by the magistrate, as equally useful. And thus toleration produced not only mutual indulgence, but even religious concord.
- Religion
p. 34
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
It has been calculated by the ablest politicians that no State, without being soon exhausted, can maintain above the hundredth part of its members in arms and idleness.
- Politics
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
The principles of a free constitution are irrecoverably lost, when the legislative power is nominated by the executive.
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
The most worthless of mankind are not afraid to condemn in others the same disorders which they allow in themselves; and can readily discover some nice difference of age, character, or station, to justify the partial distinction.
- Hypocrisy
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
His rash ambition had climbed a height where it was difficult to stand with firmness, and impossible to fall without instant destruction.
- Pride
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire