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.

Our sympathy is cold to the relation of distant misery.

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

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

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

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

Hope, the best comfort of our imperfect condition.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Our work is the presentation of our capabilities.

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

I was never less alone than when by myself.