On the record
The dignities of magistracy are encouragements to ambition, with all the black train of villanies which attend that wicked passion.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “The dignities of magistracy are encouragements to ambition, with all the black train of villanies which attend that…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke warns about the ambitions associated with positions of power and the moral pitfalls they entail.
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Not being illuminated with the light of which the gentlemen of France tell us they have got so abundant a share, they acted under a strong impression of the ignorance and fallibility of mankind.
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Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.
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But 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.
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