Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “They were imposed upon a visionary theory, formed in his own closet, and the result was exactly what might have been…”

On the record
They were imposed upon a visionary theory, formed in his own closet, and the result was exactly what might have been anticipated.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke argues against policies based on flawed theoretical assumptions, predicting their failure.

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Jan 1, 1790

Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.

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Jan 1, 1790

I think our happy situation owing to our Constitution,--but owing to the whole of it, and not to any part singly,--owing in a great measure to what we have left standing in our several reviews and reformations, as well as to what we have…

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Jan 1, 1790

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.

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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.

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