On the record
But it seems our nation had more skill and ability in destroying than in settling a colony.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgBut it seems our nation had more skill and ability in destroying than in settling a colony.
Burke critiques the British Empire's failure in colonial endeavors, suggesting a lack of skill in establishing colonies.
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I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.
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.
They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.
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.