A great empire and little minds go ill together.
Edmund BurkeRead
You had that action and counteraction which, in the natural and in the political world, from the reciprocal struggle of discordant powers draws out the harmony of the universe.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Conflict and struggle can lead to a greater harmony in the universe.
This quote by Edmund Burke suggests that in both nature and politics, opposing forces create a dynamic balance. The interplay of discordant powers, through their challenges and conflicts, ultimately gives rise to a harmonious state, indicating that struggle is essential for the creation of order and beauty in the universe.
Themes
HarmonyStruggleBalanceConflictNaturePolitics
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about the importance of conflict in history, one could use this quote to illustrate how opposing forces have led to societal progress.
More from Edmund Burke
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Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver.
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The hottest fires in hell are reserved for those who remain neutral in times of moral crisis.
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Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling; it never forgives preaching of a new gospel.
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The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
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