I was never less alone than when by myself. Edward Gibbon on alone
Beauty is an outward gift which is seldom despised, except by those to whom it has been refused. Edward Gibbon on beauty
Our work is the presentation of our capabilities. Edward Gibbon on business
The courage of a soldier is found to be the cheapest and most common quality of human nature. Edward Gibbon on courage
Their poverty secured their freedom, since our desires and our possessions are the strongest fetters of despotism. Edward Gibbon on freedom
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 on friendship
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 on government
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 on happiness
History is indeed little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind. Edward Gibbon on history
History is little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind. Edward Gibbon on history
Hope, the best comfort of our imperfect condition. Edward Gibbon on hope
Unprovided with original learning, unformed in the habits of thinking, unskilled in the arts of composition, I resolved to write a book. Edward Gibbon on learning
The courage of a soldier is found to be the cheapest and most common quality of human nature. Edward Gibbon on nature
But the power of instruction is seldom of much efficacy, except in those happy dispositions where it is almost superfluous. Edward Gibbon on power
The principles of a free constitution are irrecoverably lost, when the legislative power is nominated by the executive. Edward Gibbon on power
I never make the mistake of arguing with people for whose opinions I have no respect. Edward Gibbon on respect
Our sympathy is cold to the relation of distant misery. Edward Gibbon on sympathy
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 on teacher
Our work is the presentation of our capabilities. Edward Gibbon on work
The winds and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators. Edward Gibbon on ability