An individual is not of the same importance in a mass represented by a few as in a mass represented by many.
Edmund Burke: “An individual is not of the same importance in a mass represented by a few as in a mass represented by many.”
Editor's note · Context
From his critique of the French Revolution, on the diminished importance of an individual within a mass represented by fewer delegates.
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The improvements of the National Assembly are superficial, their errors fundamental.
Not being illuminated with the light of which the gentlemen of France tell us they have got so abundant a share, they acted under a strong impression of the ignorance and fallibility of mankind.
But 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.
Whatever they are, I wish my countrymen rather to recommend to our neighbors the example of the British Constitution than to take models from them for the improvement of our own.





