Best Edward Gibbon Quotations
- 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… All
- In the end, more than freedom, they wanted security. They wanted a comfortable life, and they lost it all – security, comfort, and freedom. When… All
- The policy of the emperors and the senate, as far as it concerned religion, was happily seconded by the reflections of the enlightened, and by… All
- The theologian may indulge the pleasing task of describing Religion as she descended from Heaven, arrayed in her native purity. A more melancholy duty is… Among
- I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way of judging of… Experience
- To an active mind, indolence is more painful than labor. Active
- The most worthless of mankind are not afraid to condemn in others the same disorders which they allow in themselves; and can readily discover some… Afraid
- War, in its fairest form, implies a perpetual violation of humanity and justice. Fairest
- To a lover of books the shops and sales in London present irresistible temptations. Book
- The history of empires is the history of human misery. Empires
- I was never less alone than when by myself. Alone
- The best and most important part of every man's education is that which he gives himself. Best
- The voice of history is often little more than the organ of hatred or flattery. Flattery
- In old age the consolation of hope is reserved for the tenderness of parents, who commence a new life in their children, the faith of… Age
- The first of earthly blessings, independence. Blessing
- Our ignorance is God; what we know is science. Anti Christian
- There is more pleasure to building castles in the air than on the ground. Air
- On the approach of spring, I withdraw without reluctance from the noisy and extensive scene of crowds without company, and dissipation without pleasure. Approach
- History is little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind. Crimes
- The ecclesiastical writers, who, in the heat of religious faction, are apt to despise the profane virtues of sincerity and moderation. Apt