Edmund Burke: “I think it a duty, in that case, not to inflame the public mind…”

On the record

I think it a duty, in that case, not to inflame the public mind against the obnoxious person by any exaggeration of his faults.

Said by

Edmund Burke

Source

Burke believes it is important not to incite public anger against someone by exaggerating their faults.

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

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

Jan 1, 1790

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

Jan 1, 1790

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

Jan 1, 1790

They come from one who has been no tool of power, no flatterer of greatness, and who in his last acts does not wish to belie the tenor of his life.

Other voices in this conversation

Edmund Burke: “I think it a duty, in that case, not to inflame the public mind against the obnoxious person by any exaggeration of his…”