On the record
But the world will not be much mended by turning wars from unprofitable and speculative to practical and lucrative, whether the liberty or the repose of mankind is regarded.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “But the world will not be much mended by turning wars from unprofitable and speculative to practical and lucrative…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke critiques the idea that wars can be justified if they are profitable, emphasizing the importance of human liberty.
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More from Edmund Burke
Jan 1, 1790
There are some follies which baffle argument, which go beyond ridicule, and which excite no feeling in us but disgust; and therefore I say no more upon it.
Jan 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.
Jan 1, 1790
They have not more notes in their song than the cuckoo; though, far from the softness of that harbinger of summer and plenty, their voice is as harsh and as ominous as that of the raven.
Jan 1, 1790
Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.
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