38 quotes
They [the Pilgrims] believed in freedom of thought for themselves and for all other people who believed exactly as they did.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
Whenever he [Charlemagne] decided to help somebody's morals, people would bury their small change and hide in the swamps and forests.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
And he [Hannibal] probably believed, up to the very end, that everything might still come out right if he only had a few you-know-whats.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
Other kings let their ministers make their mistakes for them, but Louis insisted on making the important mistakes personally.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
He [Khufu] had discovered the fact that if you tell somebody to do something, nine times out of ten he will do it.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
Her early years were very unhappy, and she decided she would have a good time if she ever got a chance. Later on, she overdid it a little.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
They [the Pilgrim Fathers] believed in freedom of thought for themselves and for all other people who believed exactly as they did.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
Thutmose III was thus one of the earliest exponents of internationalism, or going into other countries and slaughtering the inhabitants.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
If the Pilgrims were looking for freedom of conscience, they came to just the right place. In America, everybody's conscience is unusually free.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
Charlemagne lived away back in the Dark Ages when people were not very bright. They have been getting brighter and brighter ever since, until finally they are like they are now.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
Taking elephants across the Alps is not as much fun as it sounds. The Alps are difficult enough when alone, and elephants are peculiarly fitted for not crossing them.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
Henry VIII had so many wives because his dynastic sense was very strong whenever he saw a maid of honor.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
Although this structure [the Great Pyramid of Giza] failed as a tomb, it is one of the wonders of the world even today because it is the largest thing ever built for the wrong reason.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
Philip [II of Spain] was a great believer in diplomacy, or the art of lying. He fooled some of the people some of the time.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
She was the most intelligent woman of her day and she refused to get married in nine languages.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
The Romans were stern and dignified, living hard, frugal lives and adhering to the traditional Latin virtues, gravitas, pietas, simplicitas, and adultery.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
On the fourth voyage, Columbus sailed along the coast of Central America trying to find the mouth of the Ganges River. It wasn't there, somehow.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
Montezuma had a weak and vacillating nature. He never knew what to do next. [Footnote: He had the courage of his convictions, but he had no convictions.]
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
As you may be aware, Louis XIV built Versailles, a large, drafty place full of Louis Quatorze furniture and Madame de Montespan.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)
Charlemagne's strong point was morals. He was so moral that some people thought he was only fooling. These people came to no good.
The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody (1950)