On the record
They choose to be thought subdued by the treachery of their friends rather than the superior bravery of their enemies.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgThey choose to be thought subdued by the treachery of their friends rather than the superior bravery of their enemies.
Burke discusses the psychological tendency of the conquered to attribute their defeat to betrayal rather than enemy strength.
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More from Edmund Burke
The improvements of the National Assembly are superficial, their errors fundamental.
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.
I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.
Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.