Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: These principles are the more necessary to be inquired into, because, if admitted, they will serve to justify every…

On the record
These principles are the more necessary to be inquired into, because, if admitted, they will serve to justify every species of improper conduct.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke warns that accepting certain principles could justify unethical behavior.

Share

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

Their objects would be enlarged with their elevation; but their disposition, and habits, and mode of accomplishing their designs must remain the same.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

The speculative line of demarcation, where obedience ought to end and resistance must begin, is faint, obscure, and not easily definable.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

As he is not to obey us, but we are to obey the law in him, our Constitution has made no sort of provision towards rendering him, as a servant, in any degree responsible.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

But supposing they had ranked as they ought to do, and as with us they do actually, the sides of sick-beds are not the academies for forming statesmen and legislators.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation