But as to public service, why, truly, it would not be more ridiculous for me to compare myself, in rank, in fortune, in splendid descent, in youth, strength, or figure, with the Duke of Bedford, than to make a parallel between his services and my attempts to be useful to my country.
Burke argues that comparing himself to the Duke of Bedford in terms of public service is absurd due to their differing backgrounds and contributions.
Share
More from Edmund Burke
In all this procedure I can discern neither the solid sense of plain dealing nor the subtle dexterity of ingenious fraud.
There are some follies which baffle argument, which go beyond ridicule, and which excite no feeling in us but disgust; and therefore I say no more upon it.
Of this consolation whoever deprives them deadens their industry, and strikes at the root of all acquisition as of all conservation.
Other voices in this conversation
