A great empire and little minds go ill together.
Edmund BurkeRead
There is a courageous wisdom; there is also a false, reptile prudence, the result not of caution but of fear.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True wisdom often requires courage, while false prudence stems from fear.
In this quote, Edmund Burke highlights the distinction between courageous wisdom and cowardly prudence. He suggests that genuine wisdom involves bravery and the ability to confront challenges, whereas what may appear as caution is often just a manifestation of fear. This serves as a reminder to embrace courage in our decision-making rather than allowing fear to dictate our actions.
Themes
WisdomCourageFearPrudenceDecision-Making
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about leadership and taking risks.
More from Edmund Burke
All quotes βTo read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.
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Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver.
Edmund BurkeRead
The hottest fires in hell are reserved for those who remain neutral in times of moral crisis.
Edmund BurkeRead
Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling; it never forgives preaching of a new gospel.
Edmund BurkeRead
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Edmund BurkeRead
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