Words of Wisdom — March 1, 2015

Edmund Burke on the Value of Adversaries

“He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper.”

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Edmund Burke (1729-1797) was an Irish statesman, philosopher, and political theorist who served for many years in the House of Commons of Great Britain. He is considered by many to be one of the philosophical forebears of modern conservatism. He was a supporter of the American Revolution, a critic of the French Revolution, an anti-imperialist, and an advocate for property rights, believing that property was essential to human life.

“He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper.”

Source: Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790), Volume III, p. 195. (via Wikiquote)

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

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