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
But the power of instruction is seldom of much efficacy, except in those happy dispositions where it is almost superfluous. – 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
History is indeed little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind. – Edward Gibbon