Edmund Burke (1729-1797)

Quotes

• It is the nature of all greatness not to be exact.

• Bad law is the worst sort of tyranny.

• The wise determine from the gravity of the case; the irritable, from sensibility to oppression; the high minded, from disdain and indignation at abusive power in unworthy hands.

• I thought ten thousand swords must have leaped from their scabbards to avenge even a look that threatened her with insult. But the age of chivalry is gone.

• There is a boundary to men's passions when they act from feelings; but none when they are under the influence of imagination.

• Whenever a separation is made between liberty and justice, neither, in my opinion, is safe.

• Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.

• All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.

• Bad laws are the worst sort of tyranny.

• Among a people generally corrupt liberty cannot long exist.

• An event has happened, upon which it is difficult to speak, and impossible to be silent.

• Example is the school of mankind, and they will learn at no other.

• He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper.

• If we command our wealth, we shall be rich and free; if our wealth commands us, we are poor indeed.

• It is a general popular error to suppose the loudest complainers for the public to be the most anxious for its welfare.

• Never despair, but if you do, work on in despair.

• No passion so effectually robs the mind of all its powers of acting and reasoning as fear.

• Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.

• Nothing is so fatal to religion as indifference.

• Reading without reflecting is like eating without digesting.