He had vices in his composition, and great ones; but they were the vices of a great mind: ambition, the malady of every extensive genius,--and avarice, the madness of the wise: one chiefly actuated his youth,--the other governed his age.
Burke reflects on the dual nature of a great mind, acknowledging both ambition and avarice as inherent vices.
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More from Edmund Burke
The improvements of the National Assembly are superficial, their errors fundamental.
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.
I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.
Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.
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