[Whole] generations may be swept away by the madness of kings in the space of a single hour.

The ruin of Paganism, in the age of Theodosius, is perhaps the only example of the total extirpation of any ancient and popular superstition; and may therefore deserve to be considered, as a singular event in the history of the human mind.

[It] is the interest as well as duty of a sovereign to maintain the authority of the laws.

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

Philosophy had instructed Julian to compare the advantages of action and retirement; but the elevation of his birth and the accidents of his life never allowed him the freedom of choice. He might perhaps sincerely have preferred the groves of the Academy and the society of Athens; but he was constrained, at first by the will, and afterwards by the injustice of Constantius, to expose his person and fame to the dangers of Imperial greatness; and to make himself accountable to the world and to posterity for the happiness of millions.

Europe is secure from any future irruptions of Barbarians; since, before they can conquer, they must cease to be barbarous.

[Peace] cannot be honorable or secure, if the sovereign betrays a pusillanimous aversion to war.