Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “But he wished perhaps for more than could be obtained, and the goodness of the man exceeded the power of the king.”

On the record
But he wished perhaps for more than could be obtained, and the goodness of the man exceeded the power of the king.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke reflects on the limitations of a ruler's power compared to their goodwill.

Share

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

The improvements of the National Assembly are superficial, their errors fundamental.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

Let us add, if we please, but let us preserve what they have left; and standing on the firm ground of the British Constitution, let us be satisfied to admire, rather than attempt to follow in their desperate flights, the aëronauts of…

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

Whatever they are, I wish my countrymen rather to recommend to our neighbors the example of the British Constitution than to take models from them for the improvement of our own.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation