The earliest known citation showing a strong similarity to the modern quote appeared in October of 1916. Look around our site, youll find lots of ideas. These cookies do not store any personal information. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke (1729-97) Irish statesman born in Dublin, as well as an author, orator, political theorist and. May 29, 2016. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The same expression was attributed to Aked in another periodical in 1920. (Google full view), 1924 August 29, Surrey Mirror and County Post, Redhill Brotherhood, Quote Page 5, Column 6, Surrey, England. When the gardener cautioned that the tree wouldn't mature for a century, JFK said the marshal replied, "In that case there is no time to lose, plant it this afternoon." Their passions forge their fetters." This is the greatest weapon any believer can have when faced with evil. If you say, But we didnt know about this,. Ralph Keyes is the author of "The Quote Verifier: Who Said What, Where, and When," out this month from St. Martin's Press. The saying was again attributed to Rev. The Only Thing Necessary for Evil to Triumph Is - Free-Man's Perspective And so, the vast majority of evil done on Earth traces back to minds and wills that have been abandoned to fear and laid on the Altar of Obedience. But a truer statement has never been made, regardless of who said it. (Verified with scans), 1980 March 9, New York Times, On Language: The Triumph of Evil by William Safire, Section New York Times Magazine, Page SM2, New York. Let it alone, that is all that is required. Here is where you would expect that famous quote from Edmund Burke. If you would like to support the mission of Open Culture, consider makinga donation to our site. I dont know that anyone famous did, but the misattribution has had a long life, he added. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. For Evil Men to Accomplish Their Purpose, It Is only Necessary That Good Men Do Nothing. Perhaps the Do Nothing Attitude Is Responsible for Much of the Industrial Unrest.