Quotes about power

121 quotes · 18 authors

Quotes

  1. 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.

    Book cover: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman EmpireThe History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

  2. 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.

    Book cover: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman EmpireThe History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

  3. The same timid policy, of dividing whatever is united, of reducing whatever is eminent, of dreading every active power, and of expecting that the most feeble will be the most obedient, seems to pervade the institutions of several princes, and particularly those of Constantine.

    Book cover: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman EmpireThe History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

  4. When Gallienus received the intelligence that his capital was delivered from the barbarians, he was much less delighted than alarmed with the courage of the senate, since it might one day prompt them to rescue the public from domestic tyranny as well as from foreign invasion. His timid ingratitude was published to his subjects, in an edict which prohibited the senators from exercising any military employment, and even from approaching the camps of the legions. But his fears were groundless. The rich and luxurious nobles, sinking into their natural character, accepted, as a favor, this disgraceful exemption from military service; and as long as they were indulged in the enjoyment of their baths, their theatres, and their villas, they cheerfully resigned the more dangerous cares of empire to the rough hands of peasants and soldiers.

    Book cover: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman EmpireThe History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

  5. In the life of Augustus we behold the tyrant of the republic converted almost by imperceptible degrees into the father of his country and of human kind. In that of Constantine we may contemplate a hero, who had so long inspired his subjects with love and his enemies with terror, degenerating into a cruel and dissolute monarch, corrupted by his fortune, or raised by conquest above the necessity of dissimulation.

    Book cover: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman EmpireThe History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

  6. The divided administration, which had been formed by Constantine, relaxed the vigour of the state, while it secured the tranquility of the monarch.

    Book cover: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman EmpireThe History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

  7. [T]he progress of despotism ... tends to disappoint its own purpose.

    Book cover: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman EmpireThe History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

  8. It is difficult to paint the light, the various, the inconstant character of Gallienus, which he displayed without constraint, as soon as he became sole possessor of the empire. In every art that he attempted, his lively genius enabled him to succeed; and as his genius was destitute of judgment, he attempted every art, except the important ones of war and government. He was a master of several curious, but useless sciences, a ready orator, an elegant poet, a skilful gardener, an excellent cook, and most contemptible prince... There were, however, a few short moments in the life of Gallienus, when, exasperated by some recent injury, he suddenly appeared the intrepid soldier and the cruel tyrant; till, satiated with blood, or fatigued by resistance, he insensibly sunk into the natural mildness and indolence of his character.

    Book cover: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman EmpireThe History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

  9. Some particular instances may occur of eunuchs distinguished by their fidelity, their valour, and their abilities; but if we examine the general history of Persia, India, and China, we shall find that the power of the eunuchs has uniformly marked the decline and fall of every dynasty.

    Book cover: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman EmpireThe History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

  10. Those who refuse the sword must renounce the sceptre.

    Book cover: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman EmpireThe History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

  11. 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.

    Book cover: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman EmpireThe History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

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

    Book cover: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman EmpireThe History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire