Edmund Burke
Edmund Burke
Edmund Burkewas an Irish statesman born in Dublin, as well as an author, orator, political theorist, and philosopher who, after moving to London, served as a member of parliamentfor many years in the House of Commons with the Whig Party...
NationalityIrish
ProfessionPolitician
Date of Birth12 January 1729
CountryIreland
ask free government people practical
If any ask me what a free government is, I answer, that for any practical purpose, it is what the people think so.
backward confined generally people result spirit temper
A spirit of innovation is generally the result of a selfish temper and confined views. People will not look forward to posterity, who never look backward to their ancestors.
people liberty spirit
That the greatest security of the people, against the encroachments and usurpations of their superiors, is to keep the Spirit of Liberty constantly awake, is an undeniable truth
men people charm
Not men but measures a sort of charm by which many people get loose from every honorable engagement.
inspirational law people
The most favourable laws can do very little towards the happiness of people when the disposition of the ruling power is adverse to them.
exercise numbers people
In a democracy the majority of citizens is capable of exercising the most cruel oppressions upon the minority...and that oppression of the majority will extend to far great number, and will be carried on with much greater fury, than can almost ever be apprehended from the dominion of a single sceptre. Under a cruel prince they have the plaudits of the people to animate their generous constancy under their sufferings; but those who are subjected to wrong under multitudes are deprived of all external consolation: they seem deserted by mankind, overpowered by a conspiracy of their whole species.
people care may
It is undoubtedly the business of ministers very much to consult the inclinations of the people, but they ought to take great care that they do not receive that inclination from the few persons who may happen to approach them.
country thinking people
I am not one of those who think that the people are never in the wrong. They have been so, frequently and outrageously, both in other countries and in this. But I do say that in all disputes between them and their rulers, the presumption is at least upon a par in favour of the people.
government people purpose
No government ought to exist for the purpose of checking the prosperity of its people or to allow such a principle in its policy.
people leader auctions
When the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service. They will become flatterers instead of legislators; the instruments, not the guides, of the people.
powerful people be-good
If the people are happy, united, wealthy, and powerful, we presume the rest. We conclude that to be good from whence good is derived.
war long people
I venture to say no war can be long carried on against the will of the people.
people democracy rebellion
General rebellions and revolts of a whole people never were encouraged now or at any time. They are always provoked.
people bones stills
A people who are still, as it were, but in the gristle, and not yet hardened into the bone of manhood.