"Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling; it never forgives preaching of a new gospel"
- Edmund Burke
About this Quote
This quote by Edmund Burke suggests that society is more likely to forgive immoral acts such as murder, infidelity, and swindling than it is to forgive someone who preaches a new gospel. This might be translated to indicate that society is most likely to accept and forgive unethical habits than it is to accept and forgive somebody who challenges the status quo. Burke's quote indicates that society is more comfy with the familiar and is less likely to accept change. This might be viewed as a criticism of society's objection to accept new ideas and beliefs. Burke's quote also recommends that society is most likely to penalize those who challenge the status quo than it is to punish those who dedicate unethical acts. This might be seen as an alerting to those who want to challenge the status quo, as society might be less forgiving than they anticipate.
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"
"Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future"