Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: Most of the slaves choose a quiet, however reluctant, submission to those who are somewhat satiated with blood, and who…

On the record
Most of the slaves choose a quiet, however reluctant, submission to those who are somewhat satiated with blood, and who, like wolves, are a little more tame from being a little less hungry, in preference to an irruption of the famished devourers who are prowling and howling about the fold.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke illustrates the grim choice faced by the oppressed, preferring a less violent tyranny over the chaos of worse oppressors.

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