Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “A display of our wealth before robbers is not the way to restrain their boldness or to lessen their rapacity.”

On the record
A display of our wealth before robbers is not the way to restrain their boldness or to lessen their rapacity.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke argues that displaying wealth to potential robbers does not deter them, but rather invites more aggression.

Share

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

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

gutenberg.org
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.

gutenberg.org
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…

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation