Edmund Burke: “I really did not think it safe or manly to have fresh principles to…”

On the record

I really did not think it safe or manly to have fresh principles to seek upon every fresh mail which should arrive from America.

Said by

Edmund Burke

Source

He argues against constantly changing principles based on new information from America, advocating for consistency.

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.

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

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

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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Edmund Burke: “I really did not think it safe or manly to have fresh principles to seek upon every fresh mail which should arrive from…”