Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “Whether a man acquires this power by law or by usurpation, there are certain duties attached to his station.”

On the record
Whether a man acquires this power by law or by usurpation, there are certain duties attached to his station.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke discusses the responsibilities that come with power, regardless of how it is obtained, stressing the importance of duty.

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More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

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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Jan 1, 1790

Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.

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Jan 1, 1790

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

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Jan 1, 1790

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

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