Adverse Quote by Edward Gibbon
“There is nothing perhaps more adverse to nature and reason than to hold in obedience remote countries and foreign nations, in opposition to their inclination and interest.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 1776
Imposing foreign rule on distant lands contradicts natural order and rational self‑interest.
In simple terms: Forcing control on remote peoples defies nature and reason.
Key Takeaway
Respect local autonomy.
Themes
politics
colonialism
ethics
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government policy
- international aid
- cultural preservation
Key Concepts
sovereignty
self‑determination
natural law
Questions to Reflect On
- How can external powers align with local inclinations?
- What criteria define “natural” governance?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all remote societies share the same interests.
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