It has always been with me, a test of the sense and candour of any one belonging to the opposite party, whether he allowed Burke to be a great man.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Evaluating a rival's character includes judging one's own views.
- In plain terms
- If you cannot admit your opponent is great, your judgment is flawed.
- What can you take from it?
- Be honest about merit even in opponents.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can you admire a political rival?
- What tests your judgment of others?
Another view
It assumes everyone can agree on what makes a great man.
More from Edmund Burke
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
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Permalink to quote #172 Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling - it never forgives the preaching of a new gospel.
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