Edmund Burke

To give freedom is still more easy. It is not necessary to guide; it only requires to let go the rein. But to form a free government; that is, to temper together these opposite elements of liberty and restraint in one work, requires much thought, deep reflection, a sagacious, powerful, and combining mind.

Liberty does not exist in the absence of morality.

Circumstances give in reality to every political principle its distinguishing color and discriminating effect. The circumstances are what render every civil and political scheme beneficial or noxious to mankind.

There is but one law for all, namely that law which governs all law, the law of our Creator, the law of humanity, justice, equity - the law of nature and of nations.

To tax and to please, no more than to love and to be wise, is not given to men.

Falsehood is a perennial spring.

Custom reconciles us to everything.

Nobility is a graceful ornament to the civil order. It is the Corinthian capital of polished society.

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

Beauty in distress is much the most affecting beauty.

The arrogance of age must submit to be taught by youth.

Example is the school of mankind, and they will learn at no other.

To make us love our country, our country ought to be lovely.

But the age of chivalry is gone. That of sophisters, economists, and calculators has succeeded; and the glory of Europe is extinguished forever.

If we command our wealth, we shall be rich and free; if our wealth commands us, we are poor indeed.

The first and simplest emotion which we discover in the human mind, is curiosity.

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

Education is the cheap defense of nations.

He that struggles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper.

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

Religion is essentially the art and the theory of the remaking of man. Man is not a finished creation.