, is a French archaeologist and historian
, and a specialist on Ancient Rome
. A former student of the École normale supérieure
and member of the École française de Rome, he is now honorary professor at the Collège de France
.
From an ordinary background, which he described as "uncultured", Veyne took up archaeology and history by chance, at the age of eight, when he discovered a piece of an amphora
on a Celtic site close to the village of Cavaillon
.
Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.
There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty.
A government of laws, and not of men.
Metaphysicians and politicians may dispute forever, but they will never find any other moral principle or foundation of rule or obedience, than the consent of governors and governed.
A Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.
I agree with you that in politics the middle way is none at all.