--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A people who still remembered that their…" description: "\"A people who still remembered that their ancestors had been the masters of the world would have applauded, with conscious pride, the representation of ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/978/edward-gibbon-710_accustomed_a-people-who-still-remembered-that-their_812214.png" --- # A people who still remembered that their ancestors had… ![“A people who still remembered that their ancestors had been the masters of the world would have applauded, with conscious pride, the representation of ancient freedom, if they had not long since been accustomed to prefer the solid assurance of bread to the unsubstantial visions of liberty and…” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/978/edward-gibbon-710_accustomed_a-people-who-still-remembered-that-their_812214.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/978/edward-gibbon-710_accustomed_a-people-who-still-remembered-that-their_812214.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/978/edward-gibbon-710_accustomed_a-people-who-still-remembered-that-their_812214.png) > “A people who still remembered that their ancestors had been the masters of the world would have applauded, with conscious pride, the representation of ancient freedom, if they had not long since been accustomed to prefer the solid assurance of bread to the unsubstantial visions of liberty and greatness.” [Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-gibbon/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People cling to material security over lofty ideals, sacrificing freedom for comfort. **In simple terms:** Security beats liberty for many. Key Takeaway Balance material needs with pursuit of higher ideals. Themes freedom materialism historical memory Mood thoughtful inspirational Type philosophical historical When to use this quote - political discourse - education reform - community activism Key Concepts comfort versus liberty cultural values historical complacency Questions to Reflect On - How can societies value liberty without sacrificing stability? - What steps can individuals take to prioritize freedom over comfort? A Different Perspective Comfort can dull the desire for freedom. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ancestor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ancestor/) [Ancient](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ancient/) [Assurance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/assurance/) [Bread](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bread/) [Confidence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confidence/) [Dreams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dreams/) [Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/) [Greatness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/greatness/) [History](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/history/) [Liberty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/liberty/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Pride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pride/) [Representation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/representation/) [Roman empire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/roman-empire/) [Vision](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vision/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [Augustus was sensible that mankind is governed by names; nor was he deceived in his expectation, that the senate and people would submit to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-gibbon/augustus-was-sensible-that-mankind-is-governed-by-names-nor-was-he/) [Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-gibbon/) > [The manly pride of the Romans, content with substantial power, had left to the vanity of the East the forms and ceremonies of ostentatious…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-gibbon/the-manly-pride-of-the-romans-content-with-substantial-power-had-left/) [Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-gibbon/) > [My own life in India, since I came to it in 1893 to make it my home, has been devoted to one purpose, to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-besant/my-own-life-in-india-since-i-came-to-it-in-1893-to-make-it-my-home/) [Annie Besant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-besant/) > [Antoninus diffused order and tranquility over the greatest part of the earth. 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