Circumstances give in reality to every political principle its distinguishing color and discriminating effect. The circumstances are what render every civil and political scheme beneficial or noxious to mankind.

Quote by Edmund Burke

Topics: Edmund Burke Quotes

Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who does nothing because he could only do...

Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who does nothing because he could only do...

People will not look forward to posterity, who never look backward to their ancestors

People will not look forward to posterity, who never look backward to their ancestors

Those who have been once intoxicated with power, and have derived any kind of emolument...

Those who have been once intoxicated with power, and have derived any kind of emolument...

You can never plan the future by the past.

You can never plan the future by the past.

Kings will be tyrants from policy, when subjects are rebels from principle.

Kings will be tyrants from policy, when subjects are rebels from principle.

All that's necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for...

All that's necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for...

Among a people generally corrupt, liberty cannot long exist

Among a people generally corrupt, liberty cannot long exist

If the grain were separated from the chaff, which fills the works of our national...

If the grain were separated from the chaff, which fills the works of our national...

Well is it known that ambition can creep as well as soar.

Well is it known that ambition can creep as well as soar.

Example is the school of mankind, and they will learn at no other.

Example is the school of mankind, and they will learn at no other.

The arrogance of age must submit to be taught by youth.

The arrogance of age must submit to be taught by youth.

Beauty in distress is much the most affecting beauty.

Beauty in distress is much the most affecting beauty.

Next to love, sympathy is the divinest passion of the human heart

Next to love, sympathy is the divinest passion of the human heart

He had no failings which were not owing to a noble cause; to an ardent,...

He had no failings which were not owing to a noble cause; to an ardent,...

Facts are to the mind what food is to the body

Facts are to the mind what food is to the body

Patience will achieve more than force.

Patience will achieve more than force.

That the greatest security of the people, against the encroachments and usurpations of their superiors,...

That the greatest security of the people, against the encroachments and usurpations of their superiors,...

Superstition is the religion of feeble minds.

Superstition is the religion of feeble minds.

The most important of all revolutions, a revolution in sentiments, manners and moral opinions.

The most important of all revolutions, a revolution in sentiments, manners and moral opinions.

Religious persecution may shield itself under the guise of a mistaken and over-zealous piety.

Religious persecution may shield itself under the guise of a mistaken and over-zealous piety.