On the record
Reason clearly and manfully delivered, has in itself a mighty force: but reason in the mouth of legal authority, is, I may fairly say, irresistible.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “Reason clearly and manfully delivered, has in itself a mighty force: but reason in the mouth of legal authority, is, I…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke argues that reason backed by legal authority carries significant weight in public discourse.
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More from Edmund Burke
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…
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
Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.
Jan 1, 1790
I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.
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