But the power of instruction is seldom of much efficacy, except in those happy dispositions where it is almost superfluous. Edward Gibbon More Quotes by Edward Gibbon More Quotes From Edward Gibbon The communication of ideas requires a similitude of thought and language . . . Edward Gibbon communicationlanguageideas Since the primitive times, the wealth of the popes was exposed to envy, their powers to opposition, and their persons to violence. Edward Gibbon envywealthviolence A nation of slaves is always prepared to applaud the clemency of their master who, in the abuse of absolute power, does not proceed to the last extremes of injustice and oppression. Edward Gibbon abusedemocracymoney That public virtue which among the ancients was denominated patriotism, is derived from a strong sense of our own interest in the preservation and prosperity of the free government of which we are members. Such a sentiment, which had rendered the legions of the republic almost invincible, could make but a very feeble impression on the mercenary servants of a despotic prince; and it became necessary to supply that defect by other motives, of a different, but not less forcible nature; honour and religion. Edward Gibbon governmentstronghistory The style of an author should be the image of his mind, but the choice and command of language is the fruit of exercise. Edward Gibbon choicesexercisewriting An extensive empire must be supported by a refined system of policy and oppression; in the centre, an absolute power, prompt in action and rich in resources; a swift and easy communication with the extreme parts; fortifications to check the first effort of rebellion; a regular administration to protect and punish; and a well-disciplined army to inspire fear, without provoking discontent and despair. Edward Gibbon effortarmycommunication It was the fashion of the times to attribute every remarkable event to the particular will of the Deity; the alterations of nature were connected, by an invisible chain, with the moral and metaphysical opinions of the human mind; and the most sagacious divines could distinguish, according to the colour of their respective prejudices, that the establishment of heresy tended to produce an earthquake, or that a deluge was the inevitable consequence of the progress of sin and error. Edward Gibbon errorsfashionearthquakes Under a democratical government the citizens exercise the powers of sovereignty; and those powers will be first abused, and afterwards lost, if they are committed to an unwieldy multitude. Edward Gibbon governmentexercisehistory The science of the church is neglected for the study of geometry, and they lose sight of Heaven while they are employed in measuring the earth. Euclid is perpetually in their hands. Aristotle and Theophrastus are the objects of their admiration; and they express an uncommon reverence for the works of Galen. Their errors are derived from the abuse of the arts and sciences of the infidels, and they corrupt the simplicity of the gospel by the refinements of human reason. Edward Gibbon sighthandsart The sentiment of fear is nearly allied to that of hatred. Edward Gibbon sentimentshatred If the emperor had capriciously decreed the death of the most eminent and virtuous citizen of the republic, the cruel order would have been executed without hesitation by the ministers of open violence or of specious injustice. The caution, the delay, the difficulty with which he proceeded in the condemnation and punishment of a popular bishop, discovered to the world that the privileges of the church had already revived a sense of order and freedom in the Roman government. Edward Gibbon punishmentgovernmentorder Let us read with method, and propose to ourselves an end to which our studies may point. The use of reading is to aid us in thinking. Edward Gibbon readingbookthinking Books are those faithful mirrors that reflect to our mind the minds of sages and heroes. Edward Gibbon readingherobook The imprudent Maximus disregarded these salutary considerations: he gratified his resentment and ambition; he saw the bleeding corpse of Valentinian at his feet; and he heard himself saluted Emperor by the unanimous voice of the senate and people. But the day of his inauguration was the last day of his happiness. Edward Gibbon voiceambitionfeet Julian sincerely abhorred the system of oriental despotism which Diocletian, Constantine, and the patient habits of four score years, had established in the empire. A motive of superstition prevented the execution of the design which Julian had frequently meditated, of relieving his head from the weight of a costly diadem; but he absolutely refused the title of Dominus or Lord, a word which was grown so familiar to the ears of the Romans, that they no longer remembered its servile and humiliating origin. Edward Gibbon designhistoryyears The peace of the Eastern church was invaded by a swarm of fanatics [monks], incapable of fear, or reason, or humanity; and the Imperial troops acknowledged, without shame, that they were much less apprehensive of an encounter with the fiercest Barbarians. Edward Gibbon encounterschurchhumanity The Germans, in the age of Tacitus, were unacquainted with the use of letters; and the use of letters is the principal circumstance that distinguishes a civilised people from a herd of savages incapable of knowledge or reflection. Without that artificial help, the human memory soon dissipates or corrupts the ideas intrusted to her charge; and the nobler faculties of the mind, no longer supplied with models or with materials, gradually forget their powers; the judgment becomes feeble and lethargic, the imagination languid or irregular. Edward Gibbon reflectionmemoriesideas The philosopher, who with calm suspicion examines the dreams and omens, the miracles and prodigies, of profane or even of ecclesiastical history, will probably conclude that, if the eyes of the spectators have sometimes been deceived by fraud, the understanding of the readers has much more frequently been insulted by fiction. Edward Gibbon eyedreamhistory Active valour may often be the present of nature; but such patient diligence can be the fruit only of habit and discipline. Edward Gibbon often-isdisciplinehistory Style is the image of character. Edward Gibbon stylefashioncharacter
