A great empire and little minds go ill together.
Edmund BurkeRead
Men have no right to what is not reasonable, and to what is not for their benefit.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that individuals should only claim or pursue things that are logical and beneficial to them.
Edmund Burke's quote suggests that humans ought to base their claims and pursuits on reason and tangible benefits. It reflects an ethical perspective that highlights the importance of rational thought in decision-making and the necessity of aligning one's actions with what is both reasonable and advantageous, cautioning against entitlement without justification.
Themes
ReasonBenefitEntitlementDecision-MakingEthics
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about resource allocation, one could use this quote to argue for rational and just distribution.
More from Edmund Burke
All quotes →To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.
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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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