Above the clouds Quote by Edward Gibbon
“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 enthusiasts, who sing hallelujahs above the clouds; and the vanity of authors, who presume the immortality of their name and writings.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 1776
Hope comforts the elderly through family, faith, and legacy, but authors may cling to imagined immortality.
In simple terms: Hope comes from loved ones, belief, and lasting works.
Key Takeaway
Cherish relationships and meaningful contributions.
Themes
family
faith
legacy
vanity
hope
Mood
reflective
nostalgic
serene
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- elderly care
- parenting
- writing
- public speaking
- legacy building
Key Concepts
Existential comfort
mortality
ego
literary ambition
Questions to Reflect On
- What truly endures beyond our lifetime?
- How do we balance humility with ambition?
A Different Perspective
Authors may overestimate the permanence of their works.
![“[T]hat I could find company and consolation and hope in an object pulled almost at random from a bookshelf--felt akin to an instance of religious grace.” quote by Jonathan Franzen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8b2/jonathan-franzen-801_bookshelves_t-hat-i-could-find-company-and-consolati_1709029.jpg)
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
![“[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)
![“[Every] hour of delay abates the fame and force of the invader, and multiplies the resources of defensive war.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4de/edward-gibbon-710_delay_every-hour-of-delay-abates-the-fame-and_94668.jpg)
