A sword is a means of defence, and defence is the natural right of man,--nay, the first of all his rights, and which comprehends them all.
Edmund Burke: “A sword is a means of defence, and defence is the natural right of man,--nay, the first of all his rights, and which…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke defines a sword as a fundamental means of defense, asserting that self-defense is a natural right.
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They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.
Not being illuminated with the light of which the gentlemen of France tell us they have got so abundant a share, they acted under a strong impression of the ignorance and fallibility of mankind.
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…
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.





