Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: No conquest can give such a right; for conquest, that is, force, cannot convert its own injustice into a just title, by…

On the record
No conquest can give such a right; for conquest, that is, force, cannot convert its own injustice into a just title, by which it may rule others at its pleasure.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke asserts that conquest cannot justify ruling over others unjustly.

Share

More from Edmund Burke

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
Jan 1, 1790

This is the spirit of our Constitution, not only in its settled course, but in all its revolutions.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

They look upon the legal hereditary succession of their crown as among their rights, not as among their wrongs,--as a benefit, not as a grievance,--as a security for their liberty, not as a badge of servitude.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

This idea of a liberal descent inspires us with a sense of habitual native dignity, which prevents that upstart insolence almost inevitably adhering to and disgracing those who are the first acquirers of any distinction.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation