Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “If we all adopted their sentiments to a man, their allies, the savage Indians, could not be more ferocious than they…”

On the record
If we all adopted their sentiments to a man, their allies, the savage Indians, could not be more ferocious than they are: they could not murder one more helpless woman or child, or with more exquisite refinements of cruelty torment to death one more of their English flesh and blood, than they do already.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke emphasizes the brutality of war, suggesting that even if sentiments changed, the violence would remain unchanged.

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More from Edmund Burke

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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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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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.

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Jan 1, 1790

Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.

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