Edmund Burke was a philosopher and statesman who served in the British parliament from 1765 to 1794. He is regarded as the founder of modern conservatism. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Burke was the son of a solicitor. He went to study law in London. However, Burke soon lost interest and pursued a literary and political career.
Before and during in office, Burke published several writings on satire and theory. A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful gave Burke a reputation in England, catching the attention of other philosophers like Immanuel Kant and Denis Diderot.
As a statesman, Burke believed in the importance of religion to establish a good and moral society. He supported Catholic emancipation, Warren Hasting’s impeachment, and his opposition to the French Revolution.
We have collected several of the most notable Edmund Burke quotes and sayings that reveal his thoughts on government, laws, religion, liberty, tyranny, and many more.
Table of Contents
Famous Edmund Burke Quotes
Here are some of Burke’s most well-known and enduring lines, which capture his core beliefs:
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
—attributed to Burke; while its exact source is debated, it encapsulates his recurring theme on civic responsibility.
“Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.”
—Paraphrased from his writings, this warning about the dangers of ignorance remains widely cited.
“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.”
—Letter to Miss Haviland, 1774
Why they matter: These quotes urge us to take action, however small, and to learn from the past—values Burke championed.
On Leadership & Statesmanship
Burke’s wisdom on leadership continues to inspire politicians, executives, and changemakers:
“When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.”
—“Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents” (1770)
“To make us love our country, our country ought to be lovely.”
—“Reflections on the Revolution in France” (1790)
Why they matter: Burke emphasizes collective action, integrity, and the need for leaders to inspire real affection and loyalty.
On Liberty & Freedom
Few writers have made such a passionate case for freedom and the rule of law:
“Liberty does not exist in the absence of morality.”
—“An Appeal from the New to the Old Whigs” (1791)
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”
—Widely attributed to Burke; echoes in several speeches on the dangers of passivity.
“Men are qualified for civil liberty in exact proportion to their disposition to put moral chains upon their own appetites.”
—“Letter to a Member of the National Assembly” (1791)
Why they matter: Burke links liberty with self-restraint, duty, and social order—a message as relevant as ever.
On Society & Government
Burke saw society as a contract between generations, rooted in both tradition and progress:
“Society is indeed a contract… not only between those who are living, but between those who are living, those who are dead, and those who are to be born.”
—“Reflections on the Revolution in France” (1790)
“A state without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation.”
—“Reflections on the Revolution in France” (1790)
“The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion.”
—Speech at a County Meeting of Buckinghamshire (1784)
Why they matter: These ideas remind us that societies thrive when they balance change and continuity, and that liberty is fragile.
On Wisdom & Human Nature
Burke’s reflections on humanity, knowledge, and humility are timeless:
“Our patience will achieve more than our force.”
—“Letter to the Sheriffs of Bristol” (1777)
“He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper.”
—“Reflections on the Revolution in France” (1790)
“Reading without reflecting is like eating without digesting.”
—“Letters on a Regicide Peace” (1796)
Why they matter: Burke’s words urge readers to value patience, self-examination, and growth—even in struggle.
Conclusion
Edmund Burke’s quotes have shaped generations of thinkers, leaders, and everyday citizens. His insights on action, liberty, and society continue to inspire us to make a positive difference, value our freedoms, and seek wisdom in challenging times.
