On the record
To argue that these could not be his reasons, because they were not wise, sound, and substantial, would be to suppose, what is not true, that bad men were always discreet and able.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “To argue that these could not be his reasons, because they were not wise, sound, and substantial, would be to suppose…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke reflects on the nature of human reasoning and the fallibility of bad men.
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Jan 1, 1790
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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I think our happy situation owing to our Constitution,--but owing to the whole of it, and not to any part singly,--owing in a great measure to what we have left standing in our several reviews and reformations, as well as to what we have…
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