Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: When I hear the simplicity of contrivance aimed at and boasted of in any new political constitutions, I am at no loss to…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1790
When I hear the simplicity of contrivance aimed at and boasted of in any new political constitutions, I am at no loss to decide that the artificers are grossly ignorant of their trade or totally negligent of their duty.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke expresses his strong disapproval of those who advocate for overly simple political constitutions, viewing them as either ignorant or derelict.

Share

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

All your sophisters cannot produce anything better adapted to preserve a rational and manly freedom than the course that we have pursued, who have chosen our nature rather than our speculations, our breasts rather than our inventions, for…

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

The engagement and pact of society, which generally goes by the name of the Constitution, forbids such invasion and such surrender.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

The speculative line of demarcation, where obedience ought to end and resistance must begin, is faint, obscure, and not easily definable.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

This idea of a liberal descent inspires us with a sense of habitual native dignity, which prevents that upstart insolence almost inevitably adhering to and disgracing those who are the first acquirers of any distinction.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation