Jacob Dickinson
@jjldickinson.bsky.social
I’m posting some evocative quotes from Edward Gibbon’s “Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.” Pagination is from the 1946 Heritage Press edition (the prettiest affordable one, IMO).
Thanks to users on my “Storytellers” list.
Thanks to users on my “Storytellers” list.
but the Ascetics, who obeyed and abused the rigid precepts of the gospel, were inspired by the savage enthusiasms which represents [sic] man as a criminal and God as a tyrant.
(1147) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
(1147) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
February 11, 2026 at 1:54 AM
but the Ascetics, who obeyed and abused the rigid precepts of the gospel, were inspired by the savage enthusiasms which represents [sic] man as a criminal and God as a tyrant.
(1147) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
(1147) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
and the face of the city exhibited the strange contrast of stern cruelty and dissolute intemperance.
(1138) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
(1138) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
February 9, 2026 at 5:37 PM
and the face of the city exhibited the strange contrast of stern cruelty and dissolute intemperance.
(1138) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
(1138) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
She looks about 13 years old. That tracks.
February 9, 2026 at 5:32 AM
She looks about 13 years old. That tracks.
Reposted by Jacob Dickinson
Yes, Mister Bunny’s performance was obviously political. But I think everything short of gargling a meth addicted klansman’s truck nuts comes across as an implicit denunciation of the president nowadays.
February 9, 2026 at 3:59 AM
Yes, Mister Bunny’s performance was obviously political. But I think everything short of gargling a meth addicted klansman’s truck nuts comes across as an implicit denunciation of the president nowadays.
Looking forward to using “…nor does he appear to be tormented by such a genius as cannot be amused or occupied unless by…” in a sentence!
February 5, 2026 at 7:59 PM
Looking forward to using “…nor does he appear to be tormented by such a genius as cannot be amused or occupied unless by…” in a sentence!
nor does he appear to have been tormented by such a genius as cannot be amused or occupied unless by the administration of an empire.
(1137) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
(1137) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
February 5, 2026 at 7:59 PM
nor does he appear to have been tormented by such a genius as cannot be amused or occupied unless by the administration of an empire.
(1137) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
(1137) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
The preceding sentence ain’t bad, either:
In less than seven years the vestiges of the Gothic invasion were almost obliterated, and the city appeared to resume its former splendor and tranquility.
(995) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
In less than seven years the vestiges of the Gothic invasion were almost obliterated, and the city appeared to resume its former splendor and tranquility.
(995) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
February 5, 2026 at 7:38 PM
The preceding sentence ain’t bad, either:
In less than seven years the vestiges of the Gothic invasion were almost obliterated, and the city appeared to resume its former splendor and tranquility.
(995) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
In less than seven years the vestiges of the Gothic invasion were almost obliterated, and the city appeared to resume its former splendor and tranquility.
(995) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
a mighty effort which perhaps can never be repeated, is silently consumed; and every hour that is wasted in negotiation accustoms the enemy to contemplate and examine those hostile terrors which, on their first appearance, he deemed irresistible.
(1131) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
(1131) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
February 5, 2026 at 3:19 AM
a mighty effort which perhaps can never be repeated, is silently consumed; and every hour that is wasted in negotiation accustoms the enemy to contemplate and examine those hostile terrors which, on their first appearance, he deemed irresistible.
(1131) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
(1131) #edwardgibbon #declineandfall
One cup of coffee might not be enough, but…the less popular Trump gets, the more likely it is that he can leverage the rhetorical power of his office?
February 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM
One cup of coffee might not be enough, but…the less popular Trump gets, the more likely it is that he can leverage the rhetorical power of his office?