Their poverty secured their freedom, since our desires and our possessions are the strongest fetters of despotism. – 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
The principles of a free constitution are irrecoverably lost, when the legislative power is nominated by the executive. – 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