Quotes by Edward Gibbon

About Edward Gibbon:

Edward Gibbon is known for the quality and irony of its prose, its use of primary sources, and its open criticism of organised religion.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A state of scepticism and suspense may amuse a few inquisitive minds. But the practice of superstition is so congenial to the multitude, that if they are forcibly awakened, they still regret the loss of their pleasing vision. Their love of the marvel...

Edward Gibbon

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.

Edward Gibbon

Edward Gibbon, in his classic work on the fall of the Roman Empire, describes the Roman era's declension as a place where "bizarreness masqueraded as creativity.

Edward Gibbon

It was an inflexible maxim of Roman discipline that good soldier should dread his own officers far more than the enemy

Edward Gibbon

If the empire had been afflicted by any recent calamity, by a plague, a famine, or an unsuccessful war; if the Tiber had, or if the Nile had not, risen beyond its banks; if the earth had shaken, or if the temperate order of the seasons had been inter...

Edward Gibbon

The army is the only order of men sufficiently united to concur in the same sentiments, and powerful enough to impose them on the rest of their fellow-citizens; but the temper of soldiers, habituated at once to violence and to slavery, renders them v...

Edward Gibbon

War, in its fairest form, implies a perpetual violation of humanity and justice.

Edward Gibbon

I was never less alone than when by myself.

Edward Gibbon

... but I must reluctantly observe that two causes, the abbreviation of time, and the failure of hope, will always tinge with a browner shade the evening of life.

Edward Gibbon

The winds and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.

Edward Gibbon

Hope, the best comfort of our imperfect condition.

Edward Gibbon

The author himself is the best judge of his own performance; none has so deeply meditated on the subject; none is so sincerely interested in the event.

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

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

Edward Gibbon

Our work is the presentation of our capabilities.

Edward Gibbon

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

Edward Gibbon

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

Edward Gibbon

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

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

Author Bio

  • NameEdward Gibbon
  • DescriptionEnglish historian and Member of Parliament
  • BornMay 8, 1737
  • DiedJanuary 16, 1794
  • CountryUnited Kingdom; England
  • ProfessionHistorian; Writer
  • Works; ; ; ;