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
Words people say not only have a shelf life but have the ability to shape life.
Bob GoffRead
Patience asks us to live the moment to the fullest, to be completely present to the moment, to taste the here and now, to be where we are. When we are impatient we try to get away from where we are. We behave as if the real thing will happen tomorrow, later, and somewhere else. Let's be patient and trust that the treasure we look for is hidden in the ground on which we stand.
Henri NouwenRead
High thoughts must have high language.
AristophanesRead
Loving kindness towards ourselves doesn't mean getting rid of anything. It means we can still be crazy after all these years. We can still be angry after all these years. We can still be timid or jealous or full of feelings of unworthiness. The point is not to try to throw ourselves away and become something better. It's about befriending who we are already.
Pema ChodronRead
People who need to bully you are the easiest to push around.
Douglas AdamsRead
I learned a lot from more experienced mountaineers, such as Peter Habeler, but by the time I was about 21 I reckoned I had learned all that I needed to make me technically self-sufficient anywhere.
Reinhold MessnerRead