Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: For if all men who act in a public situation are equally selfish, corrupt, and venal, what reason can be given for…

On the record
For if all men who act in a public situation are equally selfish, corrupt, and venal, what reason can be given for desiring any sort of change, which, besides the evils which must attend all changes, can be productive of no possible advantage?
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke questions the rationale for change in governance if all public figures are corrupt, emphasizing the risks of change.

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