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All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter.
Edmund Burke
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Progress and cooperation in society require compromise.

Edmund Burke's quote emphasizes the foundational role that compromise plays in the functioning of government and society. He suggests that all human achievements and virtues arise from the ability to negotiate and make concessions, indicating that true benefits and enjoyment in life stem from a balance of differing perspectives and a willingness to engage in give-and-take.

Themes

CompromiseGovernmentSocietyNegotiationVirtueCollaboration

In practice

Example use cases

Use this quote at a political debate to highlight the importance of reaching across the aisle for effective governance.

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