The effect of liberty to individuals is that they may do what they please: we ought to see what it will please them to do, before we risk congratulations.

Quote by Edmund Burke

Topics: Edmund Burke Quotes

The writers against religion, while they oppose every system, are wisely careful never to set...

The writers against religion, while they oppose every system, are wisely careful never to set...

Falsehood is a perennial spring.

Falsehood is a perennial spring.

Facts are to the mind what food is to the body.

Facts are to the mind what food is to the body.

Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver.

Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver.

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

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

Patience will achieve more than force.

Patience will achieve more than force.

Free trade is not based on utility but on justice.

Free trade is not based on utility but on justice.

In effect, to follow, not to force the public inclination; to give a direction, a...

In effect, to follow, not to force the public inclination; to give a direction, a...

Justice is itself the great standing policy of civil society; and any eminent departure from...

Justice is itself the great standing policy of civil society; and any eminent departure from...

All human laws are, properly speaking, only declaratory; they have no power over the substance...

All human laws are, properly speaking, only declaratory; they have no power over the substance...

Nothing turns out to be so oppressive and unjust as a feeble government.

Nothing turns out to be so oppressive and unjust as a feeble government.

Hypocrisy can afford to be magnificent in its promises, for never intending to go beyond...

Hypocrisy can afford to be magnificent in its promises, for never intending to go beyond...

Applause is the spur of noble minds, the end and aim of weak ones.

Applause is the spur of noble minds, the end and aim of weak ones.

The traveller has reached the end of the journey!

The traveller has reached the end of the journey!

Patience will achieve more than force.

Patience will achieve more than force.

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do...

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do...

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.

And having looked to Government for bread, on the very first scarcity they will turn...

And having looked to Government for bread, on the very first scarcity they will turn...

Time and again these governments have rejected proposals today, and longed for them tomorrow

Time and again these governments have rejected proposals today, and longed for them tomorrow

The work of internal government has become the task of controlling the thousands of fifth-rate...

The work of internal government has become the task of controlling the thousands of fifth-rate...