Edmund Burke Quotes & Sayings (Page 9)

“A spirit of innovation is generally the result of a selfish temper and confined views. People will not look forward to posterity, who never look backward to their ancestors.”

“In effect, to follow, not to force the public inclination; to give a direction, a form, a technical dress, and a specific sanction, to the general sense of the community, is the true end of legislature.”

“I have never yet seen any plan which has not been mended by the observations of those who were much inferior in understanding to the person who took the lead in the business.”

“Tyrants seldom want pretexts.”

“The march of the human mind is slow.”

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

“It is the interest of the commercial world that wealth should be found everywhere.”

“If you can be well without health, you may be happy without virtue.”

“It is, generally, in the season of prosperity that men discover their real temper, principles, and designs.”

“All human laws are, properly speaking, only declaratory; they have no power over the substance of original justice.”