Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: No man knows, when he cuts off the incitements to a virtuous ambition, and the just rewards of public service, what…

On the record
No man knows, when he cuts off the incitements to a virtuous ambition, and the just rewards of public service, what infinite mischief he may do his country, through all generations.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke warns against the dangers of suppressing virtuous ambition and public service.

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