A great empire and little minds go ill together.
Edmund BurkeRead
The effect of liberty to individuals is that they may do what they please: we ought to see what it will please them to do, before we risk congratulations.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Liberty allows individuals the freedom to act as they wish, but we should understand their desires before celebrating their choices.
Edmund Burke's quote emphasizes the complexity of liberty. While it grants individuals freedom of choice, it also necessitates a careful consideration of the consequences of those choices. Before we applaud or congratulate someone's actions, we should reflect on what those actions entail and how they affect both the individual and society. It serves as a cautionary reminder that with freedom comes responsibility, and understanding oneβs intentions is crucial before offering support.
Themes
LibertyFreedomChoicesConsequencesResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about personal freedoms during a community meeting.
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.
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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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