Edmund Burke: “Nothing, indeed, but the possession of some power can with any…”

On the record

Nothing, indeed, but the possession of some power can with any certainty discover what at the bottom is the true character of any man.

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Edmund Burke

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Burke reflects on the nature of power and its role in revealing a person's true character.

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

To tell the people that they are relieved by the dilapidation of their public estate is a cruel and insolent imposition.

Jan 1, 1790

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

Jan 1, 1790

To establish a current circulating credit upon any land-bank, under any circumstances whatsoever, has hitherto proved difficult at the very least.

Jan 1, 1790

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

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Edmund Burke: “Nothing, indeed, but the possession of some power can with any certainty discover what at the bottom is the true…”