Quotes by Edmund Burke
1729 – 1797
Edmund Burke (1729-1797) was an English political philosopher who is often seen as laying the foundations of modern conservatism. Although he supported the American colonies in the revolution against the British crown, he strongly opposed the French Revolution, the rise of unbridled democracy, and the growing corruption of government.
Bio
See the Liberty Matters online discussion on Smith, Hume, and Burke as Policy Liberals and Polity Conservatives
See also our collection of extracts, essays, and other resources about Burke.
Read the Liberty Classics “A Fairy Land of Philosophy” from Law & Liberty
For additional information about Edmund Burke see the following:
The State
Edmund Burke asks a key question of political theory: quis custodiet ipsos custodes? (how is one to be defended against the very guardians who have been appointed to guard us?) (1756)
Liberty
Edmund Burke on liberty as “social” not “individual” liberty (1789)
Revolution
Edmund Burke on the Levelling Spirit
Politics & Liberty
Edmund Burke on how the Majority Oppresses the Minority
Economics
Edmund Burke on Scarcity, Wage Subsidies, and the Abuse of Power
Society
Edmund Burke on Learning from Past Errors
Revolution
Edmund Burke, Man’s Necessities, and Governmental Responsibilities
Revolution
Edmund Burke, Legislatures, and the Balance between Good and Evil