Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: But honesty only, and not arbitrary power, is necessary for that purpose.

On the record
But honesty only, and not arbitrary power, is necessary for that purpose.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke asserts that honesty is essential for governance, rejecting the notion that arbitrary power is needed.

Share

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

Unquestionably there was at the Revolution, in the person of King William, a small and a temporary deviation from the strict order of a regular hereditary succession; but it is against all genuine principles of jurisprudence to draw a…

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

A few years ago I should be ashamed to overload a matter so capable of supporting itself by the then unnecessary support of any argument; but this seditious, unconstitutional doctrine is now publicly taught, avowed, and printed.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

But the king of Great Britain obeys no other person; all other persons are individually, and collectively too, under him, and owe to him a legal obedience.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

They have little regard to the obvious consequences of their doctrine, though they may see that it leaves positive authority in very few of the positive institutions of this country.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation