Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “One cannot, indeed, sufficiently lament the continuance of that spirit of delusion, by which, for a long time past, we…”

On the record
One cannot, indeed, sufficiently lament the continuance of that spirit of delusion, by which, for a long time past, we have thought fit to measure our necessities by our inclinations.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke laments the misguided perceptions that lead people to prioritize desires over necessities.

Share

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

Not being illuminated with the light of which the gentlemen of France tell us they have got so abundant a share, they acted under a strong impression of the ignorance and fallibility of mankind.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

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

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

If any of them should happen to propose a scheme of liberty soberly limited, and defined with proper qualifications, he will be immediately outbid by his competitors, who will produce something more splendidly popular.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation