Skip to content

It is the nature of tyranny and rapacity never to learn…

“It is the nature of tyranny and rapacity never to learn moderation from the ill-success of first oppressions; on the contrary, all oppressors, all men thinking highly of the methods dictated by their nature, attribute the frustration of their desires to the want of sufficient rigor.” quote by Edmund Burke
Download Open image
“It is the nature of tyranny and rapacity never to learn moderation from the ill-success of first oppressions; on the contrary, all oppressors, all men thinking highly of the methods dictated by their nature, attribute the frustration of their desires to the want of sufficient rigor.”

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.

Tyranny repeats because oppressors blame lack of rigor for unmet desires, refusing to learn moderation from past failures.

In simple terms: Oppressors ignore lessons, blaming others for their own excesses.

Key Takeaway

Seek moderation and learn from history’s mistakes.

Themes

power tyranny moderation history politics

Mood

cautious thoughtful serious

Type

political historical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • leadership training
  • historical analysis

Key Concepts

human nature political cycles ethical responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What mechanisms can prevent repeated oppression?
  • How can societies enforce accountability in leadership?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on moderation may ignore necessary decisive action.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Edmund Burke

Explore all 595 Edmund Burke quotes

More Attributes quotes

Browse all 852 Attributes quotes