On the record
But as we have much more reason to fear their feeble lenity than any blamable rigor, we ought, in my opinion, to leave the matter to themselves.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “But as we have much more reason to fear their feeble lenity than any blamable rigor, we ought, in my opinion, to leave…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke suggests that fear of leniency is greater than fear of harshness, advocating for self-governance.
Share
More from Edmund Burke
Jan 1, 1790
They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.
Jan 1, 1790
Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.
Jan 1, 1790
They come from one who has been no tool of power, no flatterer of greatness, and who in his last acts does not wish to belie the tenor of his life.
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.
Other voices in this conversation
