Edmund Burke

Date of Birth: January 12, 1729

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: July 9, 1797

Biography

Edmund Burke was an influential Anglo-Irish statesman, economist, and philosopher, born on January 12, 1729, in Dublin, Ireland. He is widely recognized for his support of the American colonies in their struggle against the British government, as well as his opposition to the French Revolution. Burke moved to London in 1750 to pursue a career in law, but he soon became involved in literary and political circles. In 1765, he was elected to the British House of Commons, where he served as a member of Parliament for the Whig Party for nearly three decades. Burke is best known for his eloquent speeches and writings. His most famous work, “Reflections on the Revolution in France,” published in 1790, criticized the French Revolution and predicted the rise of tyranny and chaos. He is often regarded as the father of modern conservatism due to his emphasis on tradition, social order, and gradual change. Burke’s ideas have had a lasting impact on political thought and continue to be studied and debated to this day.

5 Interesting Facts about Edmund Burke

1. Edmund Burke was a founder of the Annual Register, an important publication that provided a summary of world events.

2. He was a strong advocate for the rights of the American colonists and opposed many of the British government’s policies that led to the American Revolution.

3. Despite his support for the American colonies, Burke was a staunch critic of the French Revolution, which he saw as a destructive force against established traditions and social order.

4. Burke was a notable orator and was known for his powerful speeches in the British Parliament, particularly on issues such as the impeachment of Warren Hastings and the abolition of the slave trade.

5. Throughout his life, Burke maintained a deep interest in philosophy and aesthetics, contributing significantly to the field with works like “A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edmund Burke

1. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

2. “Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.”

3. “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.”

4. “All that is necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing.”

5. “The age of chivalry is gone. That of sophisters, economists, and calculators has succeeded; and the glory of Europe is extinguished forever.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Edmund Burke did not amass significant personal wealth during his lifetime. His net worth was modest, primarily derived from his parliamentary salary and some literary earnings.

Children

Edmund Burke and his wife, Jane Mary Nugent, had one son, Richard Burke, who was born in 1758. Richard was educated at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford. Unfortunately, Richard predeceased his father, dying in 1794 at the age of 36.