A great empire and little minds go ill together.
Edmund BurkeRead
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Inaction in the face of wrongdoing allows evil to prevail.
This quote highlights the moral obligation of individuals to take action against injustice. It suggests that passive acceptance or inaction by those who have the capacity to act allows harmful forces to gain power, thereby underscoring the importance of courage and responsibility in maintaining a just society.
Themes
EvilGoodActionsInactionJusticeResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech addressing community responsibility, one might say, 'Remember, the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.'
More from Edmund Burke
All quotes βTo read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.
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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.
Edmund BurkeRead
Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling; it never forgives preaching of a new gospel.
Edmund BurkeRead
Men are qualified for civil liberty in exact proportion to their disposition to put moral chains upon their own appetites.
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