“The true key to the declension of the Roman empire which is not to be found in all Gibbon 's immense work may be stated in two words: the imperial character overlaying, and finally destroying, the national character. Rome under Trajan was an empire without a nation.” MayTwoCharacterFoundNationsKeysEmpiresDestroyingRomeImmenseRoman Empire Book:Specimens of the table talk Source: Specimens of the table talk
“An immense effect may be produced by small powers wisely and steadily directed.” MayEffectsImmense Book:Letters Source: Letters