On the record
They are, indeed, the most ancient of all commonplaces: commonplaces sometimes of good and necessary causes; more frequently of the worst, but which decide upon neither.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgThey are, indeed, the most ancient of all commonplaces: commonplaces sometimes of good and necessary causes; more frequently of the worst, but which decide upon neither.
Burke reflects on the nature of commonplaces and their impact on discourse.
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Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.
The improvements of the National Assembly are superficial, their errors fundamental.
Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.
Not being illuminated with the light of which the gentlemen of France tell us they have got so abundant a share, they acted under a strong impression of the ignorance and fallibility of mankind.