Edward Gibbon

Conversation enriches the understanding, but solitude is the school of genius. ”

Unprovided with original learning, unformed in the habits of thinking, unskilled in the arts of composition, I resolved to write a book. ”

The author himself is the best judge of his own performance; none has so deeply meditated on the subject; none is so sincerely interested in the event. ”

History is little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind. ”

History is indeed little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind. ”

Style is the image of character. ”

Their poverty secured their freedom, since our desires and our possessions are the strongest fetters of despotism. ”

Of the various forms of government which have prevailed in the world, an hereditary monarchy seems to present the fairest scope for ridicule. ”

I was never less alone than when by myself. ”

I understand by this passion the union of desire, friendship, and tenderness, which is inflamed by a single female, which prefers her to the rest of her sex, and which seeks her possession as the supreme or the sole happiness of our being. ”