Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “I confess that I have acted on my own principles of government, and not on those of his Grace, which are, I dare say…”

On the record
I confess that I have acted on my own principles of government, and not on those of his Grace, which are, I dare say, profound and wise, but which I do not pretend to understand.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke asserts his commitment to his own principles of governance over those of a more esteemed figure.

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Jan 1, 1790

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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Jan 1, 1790

They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.

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Jan 1, 1790

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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Jan 1, 1790

Whatever they are, I wish my countrymen rather to recommend to our neighbors the example of the British Constitution than to take models from them for the improvement of our own.

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