It is almost a general rule that nations do not decline gradually. Instead they fall abruptly from their greatest heights.
Robert PayneHistorically the first philosopher to enquire deeply into the nature of corruption in society was Ibn Khaldun (1322-1406), whose wandering life was largely spent in the northern littoral of Africa at a time when kingdoms and sultanates were crumbling.
Robert PayneAt the heart of the mystery of corruption lies the desire of one man to impose his will on others to the largest possible extent.
Robert PayneThroughout the history of Christianity, there had been a core of belief that man was not doomed to be everlastingly corrupt.
Robert Payne