On the recordJanuary 1, 1790
Those who know what virtuous liberty is cannot bear to see it disgraced by incapable heads, on account of their having high-sounding words in their mouths.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “Those who know what virtuous liberty is cannot bear to see it disgraced by incapable heads, on account of their having…”
Editor's note · Context
In his critique of the French Revolution, Burke expresses disdain for those who claim to champion liberty but lack the capacity to uphold its true principles.
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More from Edmund Burke
Jan 1, 1790
Let us add, if we please, but let us preserve what they have left; and standing on the firm ground of the British Constitution, let us be satisfied to admire, rather than attempt to follow in their desperate flights, the aëronauts of…
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.
Jan 1, 1790
Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.
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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