Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “They are, indeed, the most ancient of all commonplaces: commonplaces sometimes of good and necessary causes; more…”

On the record
They are, indeed, the most ancient of all commonplaces: commonplaces sometimes of good and necessary causes; more frequently of the worst, but which decide upon neither.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke reflects on the nature of commonplaces and their impact on discourse.

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The improvements of the National Assembly are superficial, their errors fundamental.

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Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.

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Not being illuminated with the light of which the gentlemen of France tell us they have got so abundant a share, they acted under a strong impression of the ignorance and fallibility of mankind.

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