Of all things, wisdom is the most terrified with epidemical fanaticism, because of all enemies it is that against which she is the least able to furnish any kind of resource.
Edmund Burke: “Of all things, wisdom is the most terrified with epidemical fanaticism, because of all enemies it is that against which…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke reflects on the power of widespread fanaticism, noting that wisdom finds it the most challenging adversary to counter.
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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.
They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.
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…
Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.





