“When the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service. They will become flatterers instead of legislators; the instruments, not the guides, of the people.”
Cite this quote
APA
Burke, E. (n.d.). When the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service. They will become flatterers instead of legislators; the instruments, not the guides, of the people. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/14304-when-the-leaders-choose-to-make-themselves-bidders/
MLA
Burke, Edmund. “When the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service. They will become flatterers instead of legislators; the instruments, not the guides, of the people.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/14304-when-the-leaders-choose-to-make-themselves-bidders/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
Chicago
Burke, Edmund. “When the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service. They will become flatterers instead of legislators; the instruments, not the guides, of the people.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/14304-when-the-leaders-choose-to-make-themselves-bidders/.