Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “The right of a man, he is told, is, to be his own governor, and to be ruled only by those to whom he delegates that…”

On the record
The right of a man, he is told, is, to be his own governor, and to be ruled only by those to whom he delegates that self-government.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke articulates the concept of self-governance and the rights of individuals to choose their rulers.

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More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

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.

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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.

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They come from one who has been no tool of power, no flatterer of greatness, and who in his last acts does not wish to belie the tenor of his life.

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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.

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