Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “The wisdom of a learned man cometh by opportunity of leisure: and he that hath little business shall become wise.”

On the record
The wisdom of a learned man cometh by opportunity of leisure: and he that hath little business shall become wise.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke reflects on how wisdom is gained through leisure and limited business.

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More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

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

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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

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.

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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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