Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “Even wolves and tigers, when gorged with their prey, are safe and gentle.”

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Even wolves and tigers, when gorged with their prey, are safe and gentle.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke uses the metaphor of predatory animals to illustrate that even the most dangerous can appear harmless when satisfied.

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More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

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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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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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

They come from one who has been no tool of power, no flatterer of greatness, and who in his last acts does not wish to belie the tenor of his life.

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