Edmund Burke: “But when men whom we know to be wicked impose upon us, we are…”

On the record

But when men whom we know to be wicked impose upon us, we are something worse than dupes.

Said by

Edmund Burke

Source

Burke warns that being deceived by known wicked individuals is a greater folly than mere gullibility.

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

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

Jan 1, 1790

They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.

Jan 1, 1790

I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.

Jan 1, 1790

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

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Edmund Burke: “But when men whom we know to be wicked impose upon us, we are something worse than dupes.”