Edward Gibbon quotes

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

Our work is the presentation of our capabilities.

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.

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

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.

I was never less alone than when by myself.

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

Our sympathy is cold to the relation of distant misery.

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.

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

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.

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

Our work is the presentation of our capabilities.

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