A great empire and little minds go ill together.
Edmund BurkeRead
All that is necessary for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing as they must if they believe they can do nothing. There is nothing worse because the council of despair is declaration of irresponsibility; it is Pilate washing his hands.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of action against evil and the consequences of inaction by good individuals.
Edmund Burke's quote highlights that in order for evil to triumph, it requires the passive complicity of those who have the ability to resist or confront it. It serves as a powerful reminder that doing nothing in the face of injustice is itself a form of irresponsibility, akin to abdicating one’s moral duty, and underscores the necessity of taking action to combat wrongdoing rather than succumbing to despair.
Themes
EvilActionResponsibilityGoodDespair
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about social justice to inspire activism.
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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