Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “In our politics, as in our common conduct, we shall be worse than infants, if we do not put our senses under the tuition…”

On the record
In our politics, as in our common conduct, we shall be worse than infants, if we do not put our senses under the tuition of our judgment, and effectually cure ourselves of that optical illusion which makes a brier at our nose of greater magnitude than an oak at five hundred yards' distance.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke warns against allowing immediate concerns to overshadow larger, more significant issues in politics and life.

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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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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.

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

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Jan 1, 1790

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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