Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: But the truth is, (with great deference to his Grace I say it,) Citizen Paine acted without any provocation at all; he…

On the record
But the truth is, (with great deference to his Grace I say it,) Citizen Paine acted without any provocation at all; he acted solely from the native impulses of his own excellent heart.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke defends the idea that Paine's actions stem from his own intrinsic motivations rather than external provocations.

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