Who said “The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.”?

Verified

Edward Gibbon. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe History of the Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire (1776–1788), Chap. 68

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“The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.”
VerifiedThe History of the Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire (1776–1788), Chap. 68 · evidenceAbility

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The History of the Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire (1776–1788), Chap. 68.

APA

Gibbon, E. (n.d.). The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/138-the-winds-and-waves-are-always-on-the/

MLA

Gibbon, Edward. “The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/138-the-winds-and-waves-are-always-on-the/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Gibbon, Edward. “The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/138-the-winds-and-waves-are-always-on-the/.