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History consists, for the greater part, of the miseries…

“History consists, for the greater part, of the miseries brought upon the world by pride, ambition, avarice, revenge, lust, sedition, hypocrisy, ungoverned zeal, and all the train of disorderly appetite.” quote by Edmund Burke
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“History consists, for the greater part, of the miseries brought upon the world by pride, ambition, avarice, revenge, lust, sedition, hypocrisy, ungoverned zeal, and all the train of disorderly appetite.”

Edmund Burke

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Pride and similar vices drive much of human suffering and chaos throughout history.

In simple terms: Bad traits cause widespread misery.

Key Takeaway

Guard against hubris and selfish drives.

Themes

pride ambition avarice revenge lust hypocrisy uncontrolled zeal

Mood

cautionary reflective

Type

philosophical warning

When to use this quote

  • political leadership
  • personal relationships
  • business ethics
  • community building

Key Concepts

Moral decay human nature social disorder

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you recognize when ambition turns harmful?
  • What safeguards can limit collective pride?
A Different Perspective

Even noble intentions can be corrupted by these vices.

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