Age Quote by Edward Gibbon
“A bloody and complete victory has sometimes yielded no more than the possession of the field and the loss of ten thousand men has sometimes been sufficient to destroy, in a single day, the work of ages.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 1776
War can win battles but destroy long‑term achievements, showing that short‑term success may undermine lasting progress.
In simple terms: Victory can cost more than it gains.
Key Takeaway
Consider long‑term impact before celebrating short wins.
Themes
war
strategy
legacy
cost
shortterm vs longterm
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
historical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- military campaigns
- political decisions
- resource allocation
- nation building
Key Concepts
imperial decline
military economics
historical cycles
Questions to Reflect On
- What lasting values are compromised by immediate triumph?
- How can leaders balance short‑term gains with long‑term health?
A Different Perspective
Success may be hollow if it sacrifices future stability.
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![“[In] the national and religious conflict of the [Byzantine and Saracen] empires, peace was without confidence, and war without mercy.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/338/edward-gibbon-710_byzantine_in-the-national-and-religious-conflict-o_29382.jpg)
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