Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “They consider mortar as a very anti-revolutionary invention, in its present state, but, properly employed, an admirable…”

On the record
They consider mortar as a very anti-revolutionary invention, in its present state, but, properly employed, an admirable material for overturning all establishments.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke reflects on the dual nature of mortar as both a stabilizing and revolutionary material.

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Jan 1, 1790

If any of them should happen to propose a scheme of liberty soberly limited, and defined with proper qualifications, he will be immediately outbid by his competitors, who will produce something more splendidly popular.

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

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Jan 1, 1790

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

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Jan 1, 1790

But when the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service.

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