The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

7.36 Edward Gibbon 1737-94
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. And thus toleration produced not only mutual indulgence, but even religious concord.
‘The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire’ (1776-88) ch. 2
The principles of a free constitution are irrecoverably lost, when the legislative power is
nominated by the executive.
‘The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire’ (1776-88) ch. 3
History...is, indeed, little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of
mankind.
‘The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire’ (1776-88) ch. 3.
In every age and country, the wiser, or at least the stronger, of the two sexes, has usurped the
powers of the state, and confined the other to the cares and pleasures of domestic life.
‘The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire’ (1776-88) ch. 6
Corruption, the most infallible symptom of constitutional liberty.
‘The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire’ (1776-88) ch. 21
In every deed of mischief he had a heart to resolve, a head to contrive, and a hand to execute.
‘The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire’ (1776-88) ch. 48 (on Comenus)
Our sympathy is cold to the relation of distant misery.
‘The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire’ (1776-88) ch. 49
Persuasion is the resource of the feeble; and the feeble can seldom persuade.
‘The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire’ (1776-88) ch. 68
All that is human must retrograde if it does not advance.
‘The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire’ (1776-88) ch. 71
The satirist may laugh, the philosopher may preach, but Reason herself will respect the
prejudices and habits which have been consecrated by the experience of mankind.
‘Memoirs of My Life’ (1796) ch. 1
To the University of Oxford I acknowledge no obligation; and she will as cheerfully renounce
me for a son, as I am willing to disclaim her for a mother. I spent fourteen months at Magdalen
College: they proved the fourteen months the most idle and unprofitable of my whole life.
‘Memoirs of My Life’ (1796) ch. 2
Their dull and deep potations excused the brisk intemperance of youth.
‘Memoirs of My Life’ (1796) ch. 3 (on the dons at Oxford)
Dr—well remembered that he had a salary to receive, and only forgot that he had a duty to
perform.
‘Memoirs of My Life’ (1796) ch. 3
It was here that I suspended my religious inquiries (aged 17).
‘Memoirs of My Life’ (1796) ch. 4
I saw and loved.