All human laws are, properly speaking, only declaratory; they may alter the mode and application, but have no power over the substance of original justice. Edmund Burke More Quotes by Edmund Burke More Quotes From Edmund Burke It is by sympathy we enter into the concerns of others, that we are moved as they are moved, and are never suffered to be indifferent spectators of almost anything which men can do or suffer. For sympathy may be considered as a sort of substitution, by which we are put into the place of another man, and affected in many respects as he is affected. Edmund Burke sufferingsympathymen It is ordained in the eternal constitution of things, that men of intemperate minds cannot be free. Their passions forge their fetters. Edmund Burke passioncharactermen There was an ancient Roman lawyer, of great fame in the history of Roman jurisprudence, whom they called Cui Bono, from his having first introduced into judicial proceedings the argument, "What end or object could the party have had in the act with which he is accused." Edmund Burke jurisprudencepartylaw Men who undertake considerable things, even in a regular way, ought to give us ground to presume ability. Edmund Burke givingmenway Politics and the pulpit are terms that have little agreement. Edmund Burke politicspoliticalagreement They defend their errors as if they were defending their inheritance. Edmund Burke failureerrorspolitical General rebellions and revolts of a whole people never were encouraged now or at any time. They are always provoked. Edmund Burke democracyfreedompeople If any ask me what a free government is, I answer, that, for any practical purpose, it is what the people think so,and that they, and not I, are the natural, lawful, and competent judges of this matter. Edmund Burke governmentjudgingthinking Prudence is not only the first in rank of the virtues political and moral, but she is the director and regulator, the standard of them all. Edmund Burke politicaldirectorsfirsts The distinguishing part of our constitution is its liberty. To preserve that liberty inviolate, is the peculiar duty and proper trust of a member of the house of commons. But the liberty, the only liberty I mean, is a liberty connected with order, and that not only exists with order and virtue, but cannot exist at all without them. It inheres in good and steady government, as in its substance and vital principle. Edmund Burke libertygovernmentorder To be attached to the subdivision, to love the little platoon we belong to in society, is the first principle (the germ as it were) of public affections. It is the first link in the series by which we proceed toward a love to our country and to mankind. The interest of that portion of social arrangement is a trust in the hands of all those who compose it; and as none but bad men would justify it in abuse, none but traitors would barter it away for their own personal advantage. Edmund Burke warpeacecountry Nothing is so fatal to religion as indifference. Edmund Burke indifference I find along with many virtues in my countrymen there is a jealousy, a soreness, and readiness to take offence, as if they were the most helpless and impotent of mankind, and yet a violence... and a boistrousness in their resentment, as if they had been puffed up with the highest prosperity and power. they will not only be served, but it must also be in their own way and on their own principles and even in words and language that they liked... which renders it very difficult for a plain unguarded man as I am to have anything to do with them or their affairs. Edmund Burke menhistoryway They [Americans] augur misgovernment at a distance and snuff the approach of tyranny in every tainted breeze. Edmund Burke snuffbreezedistance Facts are to the mind what food is to the body. Edmund Burke bodymindreality 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 passioncausessoul A great empire and little minds go ill together. Edmund Burke mindtogetherlittles Gambling is a principle inherent in human nature. Edmund Burke gamblinghuman-natureprinciples I have not yet lost a feeling of wonder, and of delight, that the delicate motion should reside in all the things around us, revealing itself only to him who looks for it. Edmund Burke delightfeelingslooks 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 tyrantsmindheart
