Advantage Quote by Edward Gibbon
“But the desire of obtaining the advantages, and of escaping the burthens, of political society, is a perpetual and inexhaustible source of discord; nor can it reasonably be presumed that the restoration of British freedom was exempt from tumult and faction. The pre-eminence of birth and fortune must have been frequently violated by bold and popular citizens; and the haughty nobles, who complained that they were become the subjects of their own servants, would sometimes regret the reign of an arbitrary monarch.”
About This Quote
Social ambition and the quest for relief from civic burdens inevitably generate conflict, even in societies that claim liberty.
In simple terms: Ambition fuels perpetual discord.
Key Takeaway
Freedom is never free of strife.
Themes
political theory
history
social conflict
class struggle
freedom
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
historical observation
philosophical insight
When to use this quote
- analyzing revolutionary periods
- teaching political philosophy
- writing a historical essay
Key Concepts
political ambition
social discord
British liberty
nobility
popular uprising
Practical Applications
- historical analysis
- political commentary
Questions to Reflect On
- Why does ambition breed conflict?
- Can true liberty exist without tension?
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