Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “They pretended to seek, or they flattered themselves that they sought, in the accession of new fortresses, and new…”

On the record
They pretended to seek, or they flattered themselves that they sought, in the accession of new fortresses, and new territories, a DEFENSIVE security.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke critiques the misguided belief that territorial gains provide true security.

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Jan 1, 1790

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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Jan 1, 1790

Let us add, if we please, but let us preserve what they have left; and standing on the firm ground of the British Constitution, let us be satisfied to admire, rather than attempt to follow in their desperate flights, the aëronauts of…

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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

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

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