Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “This is the true touchstone of all theories which regard man and the affairs of men,--Does it suit his nature in…”

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This is the true touchstone of all theories which regard man and the affairs of men,--Does it suit his nature in general?--does it suit his nature as modified by his habits?
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke presents a criterion for evaluating theories about human affairs based on their compatibility with human nature and habits.

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More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

I think our happy situation owing to our Constitution,--but owing to the whole of it, and not to any part singly,--owing in a great measure to what we have left standing in our several reviews and reformations, as well as to what we have…

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

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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…

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