Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “I do not know whether if I aimed at the total overthrow of a kingdom, I should wish to be encumbered with a larger body…”

On the record
I do not know whether if I aimed at the total overthrow of a kingdom, I should wish to be encumbered with a larger body of partisans.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke reflects on the strategic advantages of having a smaller group of partisans in a political struggle.

Share

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

I think our happy situation owing to our Constitution,--but owing to the whole of it, and not to any part singly,--owing in a great measure to what we have left standing in our several reviews and reformations, as well as to what we have…

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

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

gutenberg.org
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.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation