Mankind Quote by Edward Gibbon
““... as long as mankind shall continue to bestow more liberal applause on their destroyers than their benefactors, the thirst of military glory will ever be the vice of the most exalted characters.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 1776
Societies often glorify destroyers over benefactors, fueling endless military ambition.
In simple terms: People praise warmakers more than helpers.
Key Takeaway
Critically assess who we celebrate.
Themes
history
military
morality
Mood
critical
historical
Type
philosophical
social
When to use this quote
- education
- media analysis
- policy making
- public discourse
Key Concepts
hero worship
political power
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we admire destructive figures?
- How can societies value constructive contributions?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep‑rooted cultural narratives is challenging.
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