Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) became world famous as the author of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Of the early Christian era, he wrote: "The various modes of worship which prevailed in the Roman world, were all considered by the people, as equally true; by the philosopher, as equally false; and by the magistrate, as equally useful." He described the theme of his work as "the triumph of barbarism and religion." Axios's Essence of ... Series takes the greatest works of practical philosophy and pares them down to their essence. Selected passages flow together to create a seamless work that will capture your interest from page one.