Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: But if I know that the sword desired is to be employed to cut my own throat, common sense, and my own self-defence…

On the record
But if I know that the sword desired is to be employed to cut my own throat, common sense, and my own self-defence, dictate to me to keep out of his hands this natural right of the sword.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke discusses the moral implications of granting a weapon to someone who may use it harmfully, emphasizing self-preservation.

Share

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

The ceremony of cashiering kings, of which these gentlemen talk so much at their ease, can rarely, if ever, be performed without force.

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

It therefore secures both an hereditary crown and an hereditary allegiance.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

Their objects would be enlarged with their elevation; but their disposition, and habits, and mode of accomplishing their designs must remain the same.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation