Quotes by

Edward Gibbon

The urgent consideration of the public safety may undoubtedly authorize the violation of every positive law. How far that or any other consideration may operate to dissolve the natural obligations of humanity and justice, is a doctrine of which I still desire to remain ignorant. – Edward Gibbon

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

Style is the image of character. – Edward Gibbon

Fanaticism obliterates the feelings of humanity. – Edward Gibbon

I sighed as a lover, I obeyed as a son. – Edward Gibbon

Every man who rises above the common level has received two educations: the first from his teachers the second, more personal and important, from himself. – Edward Gibbon

Our sympathy is cold to the relation of distant misery. – Edward Gibbon

But the power of instruction is seldom of much efficacy, except in those happy dispositions where it is almost superfluous. – Edward Gibbon

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

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

Hope, the best comfort of our imperfect condition. – Edward Gibbon

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

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

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

I understand by this passion the union of desire, friendship, and tenderness, which is inflamed by a single female, which prefers her to the rest of her sex, and which seeks her possession as the supreme or the sole happiness of our being. – Edward Gibbon

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

The courage of a soldier is found to be the cheapest and most common quality of human nature. – Edward Gibbon

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

I was never less alone than when by myself. – Edward Gibbon

As long as mankind shall continue to bestow more liberal applause on their destroyers than on their benefactors, the thirst of military glory will ever be the vice of exalted characters. – Edward Gibbon