I am well aware that men love to hear of their power, but have an extreme disrelish to be told of their duty.
Edmund Burke: “I am well aware that men love to hear of their power, but have an extreme disrelish to be told of their duty.”
Editor's note · Context
Burke observes that while people enjoy hearing about their power, they resist acknowledging their responsibilities.
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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.
They come from one who has been no tool of power, no flatterer of greatness, and who in his last acts does not wish to belie the tenor of his life.
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.
Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.





