Quotes and anectdotes from the wise to the foolish, and the courageous to the drunk

Edward Gibbon Historian

  • Gender: Male
  • Citizenship: England
  • Born: Apr 27, 1737
  • Died: Jan 16, 1794

Edward Gibbon was an English historian and Member of Parliament. His most important work, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, was published in six volumes between 1776 and 1788. The Decline and Fall is known for the quality and irony of its prose, its use of primary sources, and its open criticism of organised religion.

History is indeed little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind. history

Our sympathy is cold to the relation of distant misery. sympathy

But the power of instruction is seldom of much efficacy, except in those happy dispositions where it is almost superfluous. power

I was never less alone than when by myself. alone

The principles of a free constitution are irrecoverably lost, when the legislative power is nominated by the executive. power

Their poverty secured their freedom, since our desires and our possessions are the strongest fetters of despotism. freedom

Our work is the presentation of our capabilities. business & work

The courage of a soldier is found to be the cheapest and most common quality of human nature. courage & nature

Of the various forms of government which have prevailed in the world, an hereditary monarchy seems to present the fairest scope for ridicule. government

I never make the mistake of arguing with people for whose opinions I have no respect. respect

Unprovided with original learning, unformed in the habits of thinking, unskilled in the arts of composition, I resolved to write a book. learning

History is little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind. history

Hope, the best comfort of our imperfect condition. hope

Beauty is an outward gift which is seldom despised, except by those to whom it has been refused. beauty