“The most worthless of mankind are not afraid to condemn in others the same disorders which they allow in themselves; and can readily discover some nice difference in age, character, or station, to justify the partial distinction.”

— Edward Gibbon, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Source: The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Last update Jan. 17, 2026. History

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Edward Gibbon43

English historian and Member of Parliament 1737–1794

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“The most worthless of mankind are not afraid to condemn in others the same disorders which they allow in themselves; and can readily discover some nice difference in age, character, or station, to justify the partial distinction.”

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Edward Gibbon43

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