A great empire and little minds go ill together.
Edmund BurkeRead
Whilst shame keeps its watch, virtue is not wholly extinguished in the heart; nor will moderation be utterly exiled from the minds of tyrants.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Shame can prevent complete moral decay, even in tyrants, as it preserves a semblance of virtue and moderation.
This quote by Edmund Burke suggests that while tyranny and vice may prevail, the feeling of shame still lingers in the hearts of even the most corrupt individuals. It underscores the idea that virtue and moderation are never entirely lost; they may be suppressed, but the potential for moral reflection and rectitude remains, hinting at an inherent humanity within everyone.
Themes
ShameVirtueModerationTyrannyMoralityHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about resilience in leadership, one might refer to this quote to emphasize the importance of moral integrity.
More from Edmund Burke
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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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