Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “There must be some impulse besides public spirit to put private interest into motion along with it.”

On the record
There must be some impulse besides public spirit to put private interest into motion along with it.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke discusses the motivations behind private interests and public spirit in societal actions.

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Jan 1, 1790

I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.

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Whatever they are, I wish my countrymen rather to recommend to our neighbors the example of the British Constitution than to take models from them for the improvement of our own.

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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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