Edmund Burke Quotes

Author Image

Edmund Burke

Profession : Statesman

Birth : January 12, 1729

A disposition to preserve, and an ability to improve, taken together, would be my standard of a statesman.

Edmund Burke

It is a general popular error to suppose the loudest complainers for the public to be the most anxious for its welfare.

Edmund Burke

The tyranny of a multitude is a multiplied tyranny.

Edmund Burke

I venture to say no war can be long carried on against the will of the people.

Edmund Burke

Tyrants seldom want pretexts.

Edmund Burke

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

Edmund Burke

Among a people generally corrupt liberty cannot long exist.

Edmund Burke

He had no failings which were not owing to a noble cause; to an ardent, generous, perhaps an immoderate passion for fame; a passion which is the instinct of all great souls.

Edmund Burke

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

Edmund Burke

Frugality is founded on the principal that all riches have limits.

Edmund Burke

The traveller has reached the end of the journey!

Edmund Burke

Whilst shame keeps its watch, virtue is not wholly extinguished in the heart; nor will moderation be utterly exiled from the minds of tyrants.

Edmund Burke

Poetry is the art of substantiating shadows, and of lending existence to nothing.

Edmund Burke

Mere parsimony is not economy. Expense, and great expense, may be an essential part in true economy.

Edmund Burke

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

Edmund Burke

Under the pressure of the cares and sorrows of our mortal condition, men have at all times, and in all countries, called in some physical aid to their moral consolations - wine, beer, opium, brandy, or tobacco.

Edmund Burke

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

Edmund Burke

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

Edmund Burke

Whenever our neighbour's house is on fire, it cannot be amiss for the engines to play a little on our own.

Edmund Burke

To innovate is not to reform.

Edmund Burke