Edward Gibbon – 16 Quotes

16 Quotes by Edward Gibbon

I was never less alone than when by myself.

– Edward Gibbon

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

– Edward Gibbon

Our work is the presentation of our capabilities.

– Edward Gibbon

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

– Edward Gibbon

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

– Edward Gibbon

I understand by this passion the union of desire, friendship, and tenderness, which is inflamed by a single female, which prefers her to the rest of her sex, and which seeks her possession as the supreme or the sole happiness of our being.

– Edward Gibbon

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

– Edward Gibbon

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

– Edward Gibbon

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

– Edward Gibbon

Hope, the best comfort of our imperfect condition.

– Edward Gibbon

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

– Edward Gibbon

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

– Edward Gibbon

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

– Edward Gibbon

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

– Edward Gibbon

Our sympathy is cold to the relation of distant misery.

– Edward Gibbon

Every man who rises above the common level has received two educations: the first from his teachers the second, more personal and important, from himself.

– Edward Gibbon