Skip to content

Causes Quote by Edmund Burke

“The very name of a politician, a statesman, is sure to cause terror and hatred; it has always connected with it the ideas of treachery, cruelty, fraud, and tyranny.” quote by Edmund Burke
Download Open image
“The very name of a politician, a statesman, is sure to cause terror and hatred; it has always connected with it the ideas of treachery, cruelty, fraud, and tyranny.”

Edmund Burke

About This Quote

Source Speech: Reflections on the Revolution in France, 1790

Public office often breeds suspicion and negative traits, leading to fear and hatred.

In simple terms: Power can corrupt and provoke distrust.

Key Takeaway

Beware the corrupting influence of power.

Themes

politics trust leadership

Mood

cautious critical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • elections
  • policy making
  • media coverage
  • public debates

Key Concepts

Corruption public perception authority

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can leaders maintain integrity?
  • What safeguards reduce political cynicism?
A Different Perspective

Not all politicians are corrupt; context matters.

2.7 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Edmund Burke

Explore all 595 Edmund Burke quotes

More Causes quotes

Browse all 9,070 Causes quotes