Edmund Burke Quotes

The two powers which in my opinion constitute a wise man are those of bearing and forbearing.

Temperance is moderation in the things that are good and total abstinence from the things that are foul.

Patience, that blending of moral courage with physical timidity

Moderation is the silken string running through the pearl chain of all virtues.

All philosophy lies in two words, sustain and abstain.

We should meet abuse by forbearance. Human nature is so constituted that if we take absolutely no notice of anger or abuse, the person indulging in it will soon weary of it and stop.

A prince must, above all things, accustom himself to moderate his desires. For as he has the power of gratifying them, if he once gives way to them, he will run to the greatest excess, and, by destroying his subjects, will at last complete his own ruin. In order to form himself to this moderation, nothing is more proper, than to accustom himself to patience. This is the most necessary of all virtues for those, who are to command. A man must be patient to become master of himself and others.

… vices are sometimes only virtues carried to excess!

I try to have as much patience as possible.

Patience is of two kinds: patience over what pains you, and patience against what you covet.

Learning patience was not an easy lesson.

It is the function of vice to keep virtue within reasonable bounds.

Patience is the art of concealing your impatience.

Subdue your appetites, my dears, and you've conquered human nature.

Half the vices which the world condemns most loudly have seeds of good in them and require moderate use rather than total abstinence.

Moderation has been called a virtue to limit the ambition of great men, and to console undistinguished people for their want of fortune and their lack of merit.

No, I will be the pattern of all patience; I will say nothing.

When ambitious desires arise in thy heart, recall the days of extremity thou have passed through. Forbearance is the root of all quietness and assurance forever.

Let us love temperately, things violent last not.

Man seems to be capable of great virtues but not of small virtues; capable of defying his torturer but not of keeping his temper.

You oughtn't to yield to temptation. Well, somebody must, or the thing becomes absurd.

Patience means restraining one's inclinations.

All men commend patience, although few are willing to practice it.

Patience is the ability to idle your motor when you feel like stripping your gears.

You must first have a lot of patience to learn to have patience.