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James Burgh Quotes

No kingdom can be secured otherwise than by arming the people. The possession of arms is the distinction between a freeman and a slave. He, who has nothing, and who himself belongs to another, must be defended by him,

No kingdom can be secured otherwise than by arming the people. The possession of arms is the distinction between a freeman and a slave. He, who has nothing, and who himself belongs to another, must be defended by him, whose property he is, and needs no arms. But he, who thinks he is his own master, and has what he can call his own, ought to have arms to defend himself, and what he possesses; else he lives precariously, and at discretion.

James Burgh
Gun, Thinking, People
James Burgh (2009). “Political Disquisitions”, p.390, Applewood Books

If you would not have affliction visit you twice, listen at once to what it teaches.

James Burgh
Visits You, Listening, Affliction
James Burgh (1816). “Of knowledge”, p.126

No Kingdom can be secured otherwise than by arming the people. The possession of arms is the distinction between a freeman and a slave.

James Burgh
Gun, People, Second Amendment
James Burgh (2009). “Political Disquisitions”, p.390, Applewood Books

All lawful authority, legislative, and executive, originates from the people.

James Burgh
Government, People, Authority
James Burgh (1775). “Political Disquisitions: Or, An Inquiry Into Public Errors, Defects, and Abuses. Illustrated By, and Established Upon Facts and Remarks, Extracted from a Variety of Authors, Ancient and Modern...”, p.3

In prosperity prepare for a change; in adversity hope for one.

James Burgh
Change, Adversity, Prosperity
James Burgh (1794). “The Dignity of Human Nature; or, a Brief account of the certain and established means for attaining the true end of our existence ... By J. B. (James Burgh.)”, p.104

If you have a friend that will reprove your faults and foibles, consider you enjoy a blessing which the king upon the throne cannot have.

James Burgh
Kings, Blessing, Thrones
James Burgh (1794). “The Dignity of Human Nature; or, a Brief account of the certain and established means for attaining the true end of our existence ... By J. B. (James Burgh.)”, p.31

....there is no end to observations on the difference between the measures likely to be pursued by a minister backed by a standing army, and those of a court awed by the fear of an armed people.

James Burgh
Army, Differences, People
James Burgh (1774). “Political Disquisitions: Or, An Enquiry Into Public Errors, Defects, and Abuses”, p.476

In disputes upon moral or scientific points, ever let your aim be to come at truth, not to conquer your opponent. So you never shall be at a loss in losing the argument, and gaining a new discovery.

James Burgh
Loss, Discovery, Opponents
James Burgh (1816). “Of prudence”, p.38

If a favour is asked of you, grant it if you can. If not, refuse it in such a manner as that one denial may be sufficient.

James Burgh
Denial, May, Favour
James Burgh (1767). “The Dignity of Human Nature: Or, A Brief Account of the Certain and Established Means for Attaining the True End of Our Existence. In Four Books ...”, p.38

Yesterday for contemplation, today for action.

James Burgh
Yesterday, Today, Action

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