On the record
If men have the real benefit of a sympathetic representation, none but those who are heated and intoxicated with theory will look for any other.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “If men have the real benefit of a sympathetic representation, none but those who are heated and intoxicated with theory…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke argues that true representation should be based on genuine sympathy rather than theoretical ideals.
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More from Edmund Burke
Jan 1, 1790
As he is not to obey us, but we are to obey the law in him, our Constitution has made no sort of provision towards rendering him, as a servant, in any degree responsible.
Jan 1, 1790
The House of Lords, for instance, is not morally competent to dissolve the House of Commons,--no, nor even to dissolve itself, nor to abdicate, if it would, its portion in the legislature of the kingdom.
Jan 1, 1790
A few years ago I should be ashamed to overload a matter so capable of supporting itself by the then unnecessary support of any argument; but this seditious, unconstitutional doctrine is now publicly taught, avowed, and printed.
Jan 1, 1790
But an absurd theory on one side of a question forms no justification for alleging a false fact or promulgating mischievous maxims on the other.
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