Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “But it is the poorest defensive principle that ever was infused into the mind of man against the attempts of those who…”

On the record
But it is the poorest defensive principle that ever was infused into the mind of man against the attempts of those who will enterprise.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke criticizes a weak defensive principle against those who would challenge the status quo.

Share

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

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

gutenberg.org
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…

gutenberg.org
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.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

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.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation