Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: Who could doubt but that, at any expense to the state, of which they understood nothing, they must pursue their private…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1790
Who could doubt but that, at any expense to the state, of which they understood nothing, they must pursue their private interests, which they understood but too well?
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke questions whether the new French leaders, ignorant of statecraft, would inevitably prioritize their personal gain over the public good.

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