Edmund Burke PC (12 January 1729– 9 July 1797) was an Irish statesman, author, orator, political theorist and philosopher who, after moving to England, served for many years in the House of Commons of Great Britain as a member of the Whig party.
He is mainly remembered for his support of the cause of the American Revolutionaries, and for his later opposition to the French Revolution. The latter led to his becoming the leading figure within the conservative faction of the Whig party, which he dubbed the "Old Whigs", in opposition to the pro–French Revolution "New Whigs", led by Charles James Fox.
Burke was praised by both conservatives and liberals in the 19th century. Since the 20th century, he has generally been viewed as the philosophical founder of modern conservatism, as well as a representative of classical liberalism.
Read more about Edmund Burke: Early Life, Member of Parliament, American War of Independence, Paymaster of The Forces, Democracy, India and The Impeachment of Warren Hastings, French Revolution: 1688 Versus 1789, Later Life, Legacy, Timeline Summary
Famous quotes by edmund burke:
“When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.”
—Edmund Burke (1729–1797)
“And having looked to government for bread, on the very first scarcity they will turn and bite the hand that fed them. To avoid that evil, government will redouble the causes of it; and then it will become inveterate and incurable.”
—Edmund Burke (1729–1797)
“When the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service. They will become flatterers instead of legislators; the instruments, not the guides, of the people.”
—Edmund Burke (1729–1797)
“To drive men from independence to live on alms, is itself great cruelty.”
—Edmund Burke (1729–1797)
“Superstition is the religion of feeble minds.”
—Edmund Burke (1729–1797)