Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “Somebody has said, that a king may make a nobleman, but he cannot make a gentleman.”

On the record
Somebody has said, that a king may make a nobleman, but he cannot make a gentleman.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke quotes a saying about the distinction between noblemen and gentlemen.

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More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.

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Jan 1, 1790

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

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Jan 1, 1790

Whatever they are, I wish my countrymen rather to recommend to our neighbors the example of the British Constitution than to take models from them for the improvement of our own.

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Jan 1, 1790

But when the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service.

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