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:
“I thought ten thousand swords must have leaped from their scabbards to avenge even a look that threatened her with insult. But the age of chivalry is gone. That of sophisters, economists and calculators has succeeded; and the glory of Europe is extinguished forever.”
—Edmund Burke (1729–1797)
“Magnanimity in politics is not seldom the truest wisdom; and a great empire and little minds go ill together.”
—Edmund Burke (1729–1797)
“He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper. This amicable conflict with difficulty helps us to an intimate acquaintance with our object, and compels us to consider it in all its relations. It will not suffer us to be superficial.”
—Edmund Burke (1729–1797)
“Custom reconciles us to everything.”
—Edmund Burke (1729–1797)
“The tyranny of a multitude is a multiplied tyranny.”
—Edmund Burke (1729–1797)