Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: In every act of his cruelty there is some hidden, dark motive, worse than the act itself, of which he just gives you a…

On the record
In every act of his cruelty there is some hidden, dark motive, worse than the act itself, of which he just gives you a hint, without exposing it to that open light which truth courts and falsehood basely slinks from.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke reflects on the hidden motives behind acts of cruelty, suggesting that they are often more sinister than the acts themselves.

Share

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

No experience has taught us that in any other course or method than that of an hereditary crown our liberties can be regularly perpetuated and preserved sacred as our hereditary right.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

The engagement and pact of society, which generally goes by the name of the Constitution, forbids such invasion and such surrender.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

Those who are servants in name, as well as in effect, do not like to be told of their situation, their duty, and their obligations.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

When such an unwarrantable maxim is once established, that no throne is lawful but the elective, no one act of the princes who preceded this era of fictitious election can be valid.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation