Corrupt influence, which is itself the perennial spring of all prodigality, and of all disorder; which loads us, more than millions of debt; which takes away vigor from our arms, wisdom from our councils, and every shadow of authority and credit from the most venerable parts of our constitution.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Corrupt influence wastes resources and weakens government authority and ability.
- In plain terms
- Bribery and hidden deals drain money, wisdom, and power from the state.
- What can you take from it?
- Corruption undermines both finances and governance.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What signs show corruption in your system?
- How can you hold leaders accountable?
Another view
Not all influence is corrupt; some networking is normal in politics.
More from Edmund Burke
Frugality is founded on the principle that all riches have limits.
Permalink to quote #88 Taxing is an easy business. Any projector can contrive new impositions, any bungler can add to the old.
Permalink to quote #90 In effect, to follow, not to force the public inclination; to give a direction, a form, a technical dress, and a specific sanction, to the general sense of the…
Permalink to quote #87
Related quotes
'Good governance is also about rooting out corruption, which is a stain on the integrity of any nation.'
Laisenia QaraseLaisenia Qarase quote #4 'Power corrupts. Absolute power is kind of neat.'
John LehmanJohn Lehman quote #5 Opportunity marries with circumstance and is midwife to the resultant bartering of public office. The mutuality is advantage to the parties involved merely fac…
Ratu Joni MadraiwiwiRatu Joni Madraiwiwi quote #17