Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “This gradual course, on the other side, will prevent men long under depression from being intoxicated with a large…”

On the record
This gradual course, on the other side, will prevent men long under depression from being intoxicated with a large draught of new power, which they always abuse with a licentious insolence.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke cautions that those who have been oppressed may misuse newfound power if given too quickly.

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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…

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Jan 1, 1790

If any of them should happen to propose a scheme of liberty soberly limited, and defined with proper qualifications, he will be immediately outbid by his competitors, who will produce something more splendidly popular.

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Jan 1, 1790

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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They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.

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