Ancient Quote by Edward Gibbon
“It was with the utmost difficulty that ancient Rome could support the institution of six vestals; but the primitive church was filled with a great number of persons of either sex who had devoted themselves to the profession of perpetual chastity.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 1776
Ancient Rome struggled to support six vestal virgins, yet the early church embraced many who chose lifelong chastity.
In simple terms: Rome had difficulty with few vestals; the church welcomed many chaste individuals.
Key Takeaway
Recognize differing institutional capacities for similar ideals.
Themes
religion
social norms
institutional capacity
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- modern religious communities
- historical education
Key Concepts
historical analysis
comparative religion
gender studies
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates individuals to adopt extreme vows?
- How do institutions balance tradition and practicality?
A Different Perspective
Counterpoint: modern contexts differ vastly from ancient practices.
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![“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)
