On the record
A minister, who has never defended his measures in any other way than by railing at his adversaries, cannot have his palate made all at once to the relish of positive commendation.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “A minister, who has never defended his measures in any other way than by railing at his adversaries, cannot have his…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke critiques ministers who rely solely on attacking their opponents instead of justifying their policies.
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The improvements of the National Assembly are superficial, their errors fundamental.
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Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.
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If any of them should happen to propose a scheme of liberty soberly limited, and defined with proper qualifications, he will be immediately outbid by his competitors, who will produce something more splendidly popular.
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They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.
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