Edward Gibbon
Edward Gibbon
Edward Gibbon FRS was an English historian, writer and Member of Parliament. His most important work, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, was published in six volumes between 1776 and 1788 and is known for the quality and irony of its prose, its use of primary sources, and its open criticism of organized religion...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionHistorian
Date of Birth27 April 1737
eye vices virtue
To a philosophic eye, the vices of the clergy are far less dangerous than their virtues.
europe barbarians conquer
Europe is secure from any future irruptions of Barbarians; since, before they can conquer, they must cease to be barbarous.
art discovery laughing
If we contrast the rapid progress of this mischievous discovery [gunpowder] with the slow and laborious advances of reason, science, and the arts of peace, a philosopher, according to his temper, will laugh or weep at the folly of mankind.
men might lasts
Boethius might have been styled happy, if that precarious epithet could be safely applied before the last term of the life of man.
christian tyrants enemy
According to the faith and mercy of his Christian enemies, [Chosroes] sunk without hope into a still deeper abyss [Hell]; and it will not be denied, that tyrants of every age and sect are the best entitled to such infernal abodes.
flower blood path
From the paths of blood (and such is the history of nations) I cannot refuse to turn aside to gather some flowers of science or virtue.
character men law
[We should] suspend our belief of every tale that deviates from the laws of nature and the character of man.
independence honor infamous
It was no longer esteemed infamous for a Roman to survive his honor and independence.
communication ideas language
The communication of ideas requires a similitude of thought and language . . .
country effort wish
It is impossible to reduce, or, at least, to hold a distant country against the wishes and efforts of its inhabitants.
ambition order desire
The love of freedom, so often invigorated and disgraced by private ambition, was reduced, among the licentious Franks, to the contempt of order, and the desire of impunity.
government enemy formidable
The Roman government appeared every day less formidable to its enemies, more odious and oppressive to its subjects.
escaping political desire
But the desire of obtaining the advantages, and of escaping the burdens, of political society, is a perpetual and inexhaustible source of discord.
country real race
The aspiring efforts of genius, or virtue, either in active or speculative life, are measured, not so much by their real elevation, as by the height to which they ascend above the level of their age and country; and the same stature, which in a people of giants would pass unnoticed, must appear conspicuous in a race of pygmies.