Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “Be corrupt, you have friends; stem the torrent of corruption, you open a thousand venal mouths against you.”

On the record
Be corrupt, you have friends; stem the torrent of corruption, you open a thousand venal mouths against you.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke reflects on the challenges faced by those who resist corruption, emphasizing the price of integrity.

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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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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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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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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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