On the record
It is not to be imagined, because a political system is, under certain aspects, very unwise in its contrivance, and very mischievous in its effects, that it therefore can have no long duration.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “It is not to be imagined, because a political system is, under certain aspects, very unwise in its contrivance, and very…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke argues that even flawed political systems can endure longer than expected despite their shortcomings.
Share
More from Edmund Burke
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
An irregular, convulsive movement may be necessary to throw off an irregular, convulsive disease.
Jan 1, 1790
Though a king may abdicate for his own person, he cannot abdicate for the monarchy.
Jan 1, 1790
Unquestionably there was at the Revolution, in the person of King William, a small and a temporary deviation from the strict order of a regular hereditary succession; but it is against all genuine principles of jurisprudence to draw a…
Other voices in this conversation
