QuoteProject
A populace never rebels from passion for attack, but from impatience of suffering.
Edmund Burke
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

People revolt not out of desire for aggression, but due to the pain they endure.

Edmund Burke's quote highlights the motivations behind rebellion, suggesting that it is not driven by a thirst for violence or aggression, but rather by a deep-seated frustration and suffering that compels people to seek change. The quote emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying grievances that lead to societal upheaval, reminding us that suffering can be a powerful catalyst for transformation.

Themes

RebellionSufferingChangeMotivationSociety

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about the French Revolution to illustrate the people's motivations.

More from Edmund Burke

A great empire and little minds go ill together.
Edmund BurkeRead
To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.
Edmund BurkeRead
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.
Edmund BurkeRead
Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling; it never forgives preaching of a new gospel.
Edmund BurkeRead
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Edmund BurkeRead

Similar quotes

I loved every minute of my time at Microsoft, but I had always envisioned having another phase of life just because I thought that would be interesting. It had never been my plan to work until I literally didn't want to do anything and then hang it up.
Steve BallmerRead
It was a time when the unthinkable became the thinkable and the impossible really happened
Arundhati RoyRead
Efforts to bar transgender people from restrooms are nothing more than an attempt to codify discrimination before our country advances any further on transgender equality.
Sarah McbrideRead
Let woman share the rights and she will emulate the virtues of man; for she must grow more perfect when emancipated.
Mary WollstonecraftRead
If you don't jump on the new, you don't survive.
Satya NadellaRead
Change isn't made by asking permission. Change is made by asking forgiveness, later.
Seth GodinRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.