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James Burgh Quotes

Politician

James Burgh (1714-1775) was a Scottish politician, historian, and writer. He is known for his profound insights into Scottish politics and society, and his works have had a significant impact on posterity.

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All People Ifs Second Amendment Arms Bearing Arms Distinction Freeman Gun Gun Control Gun Rights

Famous James Burgh Quotes

“In disputes upon moral or scientific points, ever let your aim be to come at truth, not to conquer your opponent. So you never shall be at a loss in losing the argument, and gaining a new discovery.”

Loss Moral Losing Discovery Argument Aim Conquer Opponents Disputes New Discoveries

Book:Of prudence

Source: Of prudence

“Yesterday for contemplation, today for action.”

Today Action Yesterday Contemplation

Author:James Burgh

“If you have a friend that will reprove your faults and foibles, consider you enjoy a blessing which the king upon the throne cannot have.”

Ifs Enjoy Kings Blessing Faults Thrones Foibles

Book:The Dignity of Human Nature; or, a Brief account of the certain and established means for attaining the true end of our existence ... By J. B. (James Burgh.)

Source: The Dignity of Human Nature; or, a Brief account of the certain and established means for attaining the true end of our existence ... By J. B. (James Burgh.)

“....there is no end to observations on the difference between the measures likely to be pursued by a minister backed by a standing army, and those of a court awed by the fear of an armed people.”

People Ends Differences Standing Army Court Observation Ministers Pursued Second Amendment

Book:Political Disquisitions: Or, An Enquiry Into Public Errors, Defects, and Abuses

Source: Political Disquisitions: Or, An Enquiry Into Public Errors, Defects, and Abuses

“In prosperity prepare for a change; in adversity hope for one.”

Change Adversity Prosperity

Book:The Dignity of Human Nature; or, a Brief account of the certain and established means for attaining the true end of our existence ... By J. B. (James Burgh.)

Source: The Dignity of Human Nature; or, a Brief account of the certain and established means for attaining the true end of our existence ... By J. B. (James Burgh.)

“If you would not have affliction visit you twice, listen at once to what it teaches.”

Ifs Teach Trouble Listening Affliction Visits You

Book:Of knowledge

Source: Of knowledge

“No Kingdom can be secured otherwise than by arming the people. The possession of arms is the distinction between a freeman and a slave.”

Source: Political Disquisitions

“No kingdom can be secured otherwise than by arming the people. The possession of arms is the distinction between a freeman and a slave. He, who has nothing, and who himself belongs to another, must be defended by him, whose property he is, and needs no arms. But he, who thinks he is his own master, and has what he can call his own, ought to have arms to defend himself, and what he possesses; else he lives precariously, and at discretion.”

Source: Political Disquisitions

“All lawful authority, legislative, and executive, originates from the people.”

People Government Authority Executives

Book:Political Disquisitions: Or, An Inquiry Into Public Errors, Defects, and Abuses. Illustrated By, and Established Upon Facts and Remarks, Extracted from a Variety of Authors, Ancient and Modern...

Source: Political Disquisitions: Or, An Inquiry Into Public Errors, Defects, and Abuses. Illustrated By, and Established Upon Facts and Remarks, Extracted from a Variety of Authors, Ancient and Modern...

“If a favour is asked of you, grant it if you can. If not, refuse it in such a manner as that one denial may be sufficient.”

Ifs May Refuse Denial Sufficient Grants Favour

Book:The Dignity of Human Nature: Or, A Brief Account of the Certain and Established Means for Attaining the True End of Our Existence. In Four Books ...

Source: The Dignity of Human Nature: Or, A Brief Account of the Certain and Established Means for Attaining the True End of Our Existence. In Four Books ...