Edmund Burke: “The doctor of the constitution, pretending to underrate what he is not…”

On the record

The doctor of the constitution, pretending to underrate what he is not able to contend with, shrinks from his own operation.

Said by

Edmund Burke

Source

Burke critiques those who underestimate the severity of political issues they cannot address.

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

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

Jan 1, 1790

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

Jan 1, 1790

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

Jan 1, 1790

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

Other voices in this conversation

Edmund Burke: “The doctor of the constitution, pretending to underrate what he is not able to contend with, shrinks from his own…”