I verily believe he was a man of good intentions, and rather debauched by that amazing flood of iniquity which prevailed at that time, or hurried and carried away with it.
Edmund Burke: “I verily believe he was a man of good intentions, and rather debauched by that amazing flood of iniquity which prevailed…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke expresses his belief in the inherent goodness of a man despite the corrupting influences of his environment.
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The improvements of the National Assembly are superficial, their errors fundamental.
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.
Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.
But when the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service.





