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Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) was an English historian and philosopher of the 18th century. He is best known for his six-volume work, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire , which is considered one of the greatest works of history ever written. Gibbon's writings are full of insight and wit, and his quotes are still relevant today. Here is a collection of some of his most famous sayings. Edward Gibbon was a renowned historian and writer who is best known for his magnum opus, 'The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.' However, he also left behind a wealth of insightful quotes that continue to inspire and enlighten readers today. In this collection, we have gathered some of his most famous sayings.One of Gibbon's most well-known quotes is: 'I never make the mistake of arguing with people for whose opinions I have no respect.' This quote speaks to the importance of respecting others' viewpoints even if we don't agree with them. It reminds us that engaging in pointless arguments only leads to frustration and wasted time.Another memorable quote from Gibbon is: 'History is indeed little more than the register of crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind.' This statement highlights how history often focuses on negative events rather than positive ones. It serves as a reminder that we must learn from our mistakes in order to avoid repeating them.Gibbon also had much to say about education. He once remarked: 'To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child.' This quote emphasizes the importance of studying history in order to gain perspective on current events. Without an understanding of past events, it's difficult to fully comprehend present-day issues.In conclusion, Edward Gibbon was not only a brilliant historian but also a wise philosopher whose words continue to resonate with readers today. If you enjoyed these quotes by Gibbon, be sure to check out our collections on Balzac and Rollo Tomassi Education , two other great thinkers whose insights are still relevant today!
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On History
Gibbon was a passionate historian, and his quotes on the subject are some of his most famous. Here are a few of his most memorable sayings about history:
- “History is indeed little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind.”
- “History is the record of an encounter between character and circumstances.”
- “History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon.”
On Religion
Gibbon was a skeptic and a critic of religion, and his quotes on the subject are often controversial. Here are a few of his most famous sayings about religion:
- “Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.”
- “The various modes of worship which prevailed in the Roman world were all considered by the people as equally true; by the philosopher as equally false; and by the magistrate as equally useful.”
- “The various modes of worship which prevailed in the Roman world were all considered by the people as equally true; by the philosopher as equally false; and by the magistrate as equally useful.”
On Life
Gibbon was a keen observer of life, and his quotes on the subject are often profound. Here are a few of his most famous sayings about life:
- “The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.”
- “The courage of a soldier is heightened by his knowledge of his profession.”
- “The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.”
On Writing
Gibbon was a prolific writer, and his quotes on the subject are often inspiring. Here are a few of his most famous sayings about writing:
- “The style of an author should be the image of his mind, but the choice and command of language is the fruit of exercise.”
- “The composition of a good book requires, in the author, a knowledge of his subject, a feeling for his readers, and a command of language.”
- “The only way to write a good book is to write it with the consciousness that you are writing for the instruction and entertainment of mankind.”
Conclusion
Edward Gibbon was a brilliant thinker and writer, and his quotes are still relevant today. His quotes on history, religion, life, and writing are full of insight and wit, and they are sure to inspire and enlighten.