A great empire and little minds go ill together.
Edmund BurkeRead
Prudence is not only the first in rank of the virtues political and moral, but she is the director and regulator, the standard of them all.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Prudence is essential for guiding all virtues, both in politics and morality.
In this quote, Edmund Burke emphasizes the importance of prudence as a foundational virtue that not only ranks first among moral and political virtues but also serves as a guide and regulator for all other virtues. Prudence allows individuals to make thoughtful decisions, considering the consequences of their actions and ensuring that their moral and political choices are well-directed and balanced.
Themes
PrudenceVirtueWisdomPoliticsMorality
In practice
Example use cases
In a political debate, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of prudence in decision-making.
More from Edmund Burke
All quotes βTo 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
There is no wisdom like frankness.
Benjamin DisraeliRead
I don't have any regrets. If I could have talked to my 19- or 20-year-old self, I would have said, 'You're going to be fine. It ain't that serious!'
Queen LatifahRead
Grant what thou commandest and then command what thou wilt.
Saint AugustineRead
All I can tell you is that you cannot make choices in your own career, either career choices or choices when you're actually working as an actor, based on trying to downplay or live up to a comparison with somebody else. You just can't do that. You have to do your own work based on your own gut, your own instincts, and your own life.
Brandon LeeRead
I'm always saying something that's just the edge of something more.
Robert FrostRead
If your knowledge of fire has been turned to certainty by words alone, then seek to be cooked by the fire itself. Don't abide in borrowed certainty. There is no real certainty until you burn; if you wish for this, sit down in the fire.
RumiRead