The men of property in France, confiding in a force which seemed to be irresistible because it had never been tried, neglected to prepare for a conflict with their enemies at their own weapons.
Edmund Burke: “The men of property in France, confiding in a force which seemed to be irresistible because it had never been tried…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke critiques the complacency of property owners in France who failed to prepare for conflict.
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Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.
Let us add, if we please, but let us preserve what they have left; and standing on the firm ground of the British Constitution, let us be satisfied to admire, rather than attempt to follow in their desperate flights, the aëronauts of…
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