Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling - it never forgives the preaching of a new gospel.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Society tolerates major crimes but rejects new ideas that challenge its norms.
- In plain terms
- People forgive bad actions but not new teachings.
- What can you take from it?
- New ideas face harsher judgment than old mistakes.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do societies resist change?
- What counts as a new gospel?
Another view
Some new teachings can indeed be harmful or destabilizing.
More from Edmund Burke
Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle which fits them all.
Permalink to quote #168 All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
Permalink to quote #170 If you can be well without health, you may be happy without virtue.
Permalink to quote #167
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