A great empire and little minds go ill together.
Edmund BurkeRead
History consists, for the greater part, of the miseries brought upon the world by pride, ambition, avarice, revenge, lust, sedition, hypocrisy, ungoverned zeal, and all the train of disorderly appetite.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human suffering often arises from negative traits such as pride and ambition.
This quote by Edmund Burke highlights how many of humanity's greatest tragedies and conflicts can be traced back to detrimental human traits like pride, ambition, and avarice. It serves as a cautionary reminder that unchecked desires and negative emotions can lead to significant historical consequences, suggesting that a more introspective and humble approach might have mitigated such miseries throughout the ages.
Themes
HistoryHuman NatureMiseriesPrideAmbition
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on the importance of humility in leadership, one might cite this quote to emphasize the dangers of excessive pride.
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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