British statesman, economist, & philosopher (1729-1797)
The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedients, and by parts.
EDMUND BURKE
letter to the Sheriffs of Bristol, April 3, 1777
There ought to be system of manners in every nation which a well-formed mind would be disposed to relish. To make us love our country, our country ought to be lovely.
EDMUND BURKE
Reflections on the Revolution in France
Writers, especially when they act in a body and with one direction, have great influence on the public mind.
EDMUND BURKE
Reflections on the Revolution in France
Society is indeed a contract. Subordinate contracts for objects of mere occasional interest may be dissolved at pleasure -- but the state ought not to be considered as nothing better than a partnership agreement in a trade of pepper and coffee, calico or tobacco, or some other such low concern, to be taken up for a little temporary interest, and to be dissolved by the fancy of the parties. It is to be looked on with other reverence; because it is not a partnership in things subservient only to the gross animal existence of a temporary and perishable nature. It is a partnership in all science; a partnership in all art; a partnership in every virtue, and in all perfection. As the ends of such a partnership cannot be obtained in many generations, it becomes a partnership not only between those who are living, but between those who are to be born.
EDMUND BURKE
Reflections on the Revolution in France
All government -- indeed, every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue and every prudent act -- is founded on compromise and barter.
EDMUND BURKE
second speech on Conciliation with America, 1775
The nature of things is, I admit, a sturdy adversary.
EDMUND BURKE
The Letters on a Regicide Peace
One that confounds good and evil is an enemy to the good.
EDMUND BURKE
On the Impeachment of Warren Hastings, February 15, 1788
If we command our wealth, we shall be rich and free; if our wealth commands us, we are poor indeed.
EDMUND BURKE
Letters On a Regicide Peace
But what is liberty without wisdom, and without virtue? It is the greatest of all possible evils; for it is folly, vice, and madness, without tuition or restraint.
EDMUND BURKE
Reflections on the Revolution in France
Falsehood has a perennial spring.
EDMUND BURKE
speech on conciliation with America, April 19, 1774
In general the languages of most unpolished people have a great force and energy of expression; and this is but natural. Uncultivated people are but ordinary observers of things, and not critical in distinguishing them; but, for that reason, they admire more, and are more affected with what they see, and therefore express themselves in a warmer and more passionate manner.
EDMUND BURKE
Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful
Early and provident fear is the mother of safety.
EDMUND BURKE
speech on the Petition of the Unitarians, May 11, 1792
Men who undertake considerable things, even in a regular way, ought to give us ground to presume ability.
EDMUND BURKE
Reflections on the Revolution in France
To please universally was the object of his life; but to tax and to please, no more than to love and to be wise, is not given to men.
EDMUND BURKE
speech on American taxation in the House of Commons, April 19, 1774
Liberty, too, must be limited in order to be possessed.
EDMUND BURKE
letter to the Sheriffs of Bristol, April 3, 1777
To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.
EDMUND BURKE
attributed, Day's Collacon
Toleration is odious to the intolerant.
EDMUND BURKE
The Speeches of the Right Hon. Edmund Burke
Tell me what are the prevailing sentiments that occupy the minds of your young men, and I will tell you what is to be the character of the next generation.
EDMUND BURKE
attributed, The Child and the Man: or, The Children, the Sabbath School, and the World
Kings will be tyrants from policy when subjects are rebels from principle.
EDMUND BURKE
Reflections on the Revolution in France
Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays instead of serving you if he sacrifices it to your opinion.
EDMUND BURKE
speech to the Electors of Bristol, November 3, 1774