On the record
But if I know that the sword desired is to be employed to cut my own throat, common sense, and my own self-defence, dictate to me to keep out of his hands this natural right of the sword.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgBut if I know that the sword desired is to be employed to cut my own throat, common sense, and my own self-defence, dictate to me to keep out of his hands this natural right of the sword.
Burke discusses the moral implications of granting a weapon to someone who may use it harmfully, emphasizing self-preservation.
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