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Quote by Basil Bunting

Work

The Poems of Basil Bunting

This volume includes a selection of Basil Bunting's works, reflecting his innovative approach to poetry and his exploration of various themes and subjects. more

Author

Basil Bunting
Basil Bunting

Basil Bunting was an English poet known for his concise and precise style. His works often revolve around natural landscapes and philosophical contemplations, earning him praise from readers and critics alike. more

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“Men are to be guided only by their self-interests. Good government is a good balancing of these; and, except a keen eye and appetite for self-interest, requires no virtue in any quarter. To both parties it is emphatically a machine: to the discontented, a taxing-machine; to the contented, a machine for securing property. Its duties and its faults are not those of a father, but of an active parish-constable.”

“The contented and economically comfortable have a very discriminating view of government. Nobody is ever indignant about bailing out failed banks and failed savings and loans associations... But when taxes must be paid for the lower middle class and poor, the government assumes an aspect of wickedness.”

“Of the best rulers, The people only know that they exist; the next best they love and praise the next they fear; and the next they revile. When they do not command the people's faith, some will lose faith in them, and then they resort to oaths! But of the best when their task is accomplished, their work done, the people all remark, We have done it ourselves.”