Who said “A heart to resolve, a head to contrive, and a hand to execute.”?

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. 48

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“A heart to resolve, a head to contrive, and a hand to execute.”
VerifiedThe History of the Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire (1776–1788), Chap. 48 · evidenceAction

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. 48.

APA

Gibbon, E. (n.d.). A heart to resolve, a head to contrive, and a hand to execute. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/775-a-heart-to-resolve-a-head-to-contrive/

MLA

Gibbon, Edward. “A heart to resolve, a head to contrive, and a hand to execute.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/775-a-heart-to-resolve-a-head-to-contrive/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Gibbon, Edward. “A heart to resolve, a head to contrive, and a hand to execute.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/775-a-heart-to-resolve-a-head-to-contrive/.