On the record
He, who, at the present time, is favorable or even fair to that system, must act towards it as towards a friend with frailties who is under the prosecution of implacable foes.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “He, who, at the present time, is favorable or even fair to that system, must act towards it as towards a friend with…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke advises that one must treat a flawed system with the understanding that it is under attack from relentless adversaries.
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More from Edmund Burke
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.
Jan 1, 1790
Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.
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.
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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