Tyrants seldom want pretexts.

Quote by Edmund Burke

Topics: Edmund Burke Quotes

I am convinced that we have a degree of delight, and that no small one,...

I am convinced that we have a degree of delight, and that no small one,...

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...

But what is liberty without wisdom, and without virtue? It is the greatest of all...

But what is liberty without wisdom, and without virtue? It is the greatest of all...

The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedience, and by parts.

The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedience, and by parts.

Never despair; but if you do, work on in despair

Never despair; but if you do, work on in despair

Religion is essentially the art and the theory of the remaking of man. Man is...

Religion is essentially the art and the theory of the remaking of man. Man is...

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

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

Whenever a separation is made between liberty and justice, neither, in my opinion, is safe.

Whenever a separation is made between liberty and justice, neither, in my opinion, is safe.

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...

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...

Circumstances give in reality to every political principle its distinguishing color and discriminating effect. The...

Circumstances give in reality to every political principle its distinguishing color and discriminating effect. The...

By gnawing through a dike, even a rat may drown a nation.

By gnawing through a dike, even a rat may drown a nation.

The traveller has reached the end of the journey!

The traveller has reached the end of the journey!

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...

Toleration is good for all, or it is good for none.

Toleration is good for all, or it is good for none.

Whilst shame keeps its watch, virtue is not wholly extinguished in the heart; nor will...

Whilst shame keeps its watch, virtue is not wholly extinguished in the heart; nor will...

A spirit of innovation is generally the result of a selfish temper and confined views....

A spirit of innovation is generally the result of a selfish temper and confined views....

To tax and to please, no more than to love and to be wise, is...

To tax and to please, no more than to love and to be wise, is...

Slavery is a weed that grows on every soil.

Slavery is a weed that grows on every soil.

Never despair, but if you do, work on in despair.

Never despair, but if you do, work on in despair.