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
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.
In practice
In a political debate, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of prudence in decision-making.
A great empire and little minds go ill together.
To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.
Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver.
The hottest fires in hell are reserved for those who remain neutral in times of moral crisis.
Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling; it never forgives preaching of a new gospel.
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Without courage, wisdom bears no fruit.
No man was ever great by imitation.
Teach him a certain refinement in sorting out and selecting his arguments, with an affection for relevance and so for brevity. Above all let him be taught to throw down his arms and surrender to truth as soon as he perceives it, whether the truth is born at his rival's doing or within himself from some change in his ideas.
If, however, you take a moment to observe how you actually feel immediately after you criticise someone, you'll notice that you will feel a little deflated and ashamed, almost like you're the one who has been attacked. The reason this is true is that when we criticise, it's a statement to the world and to ourselves, "I have a need to be critical." This isn't something we are usually proud to admit.
Quick riches are more dangerous than poverty.
My ideas usually come not at my desk writing but in the midst of living.
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