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The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (Edited and Abridged): Abridged Edition

Book by Edward Gibbon · 3 quotes · History, Roman Empire, Government

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The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (Edited and Abridged): Abridged Edition Quotes

“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.”

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Book:The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (Edited and Abridged): Abridged Edition
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“The distinctions of personal merit and influence, so conspicuous in a republic, so feeble and obscure under a monarchy, were abolished by the despotism of the emperors; who substituted in their room a severe subordination of rank and office, from the titled slaves who were seated on the steps of the throne, to the meanest instruments of arbitrary power.”

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“Yet the people, and even the clergy, incapable of forming any rational judgment of the business of peace and war, presumed to arraign the policy of Stilicho, who so often vanquished, so often surrounded, and so often dismissed the implacable enemy of the republic. The first moment of the public safety is devoted to gratitude and joy; but the second is diligently occupied by envy and calumny.”

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Book:The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (Edited and Abridged): Abridged Edition
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