Their resistance was made to concession; their revolt was from protection; their blow was aimed at a hand holding out graces, favors, and immunities.
Edmund Burke: “Their resistance was made to concession; their revolt was from protection; their blow was aimed at a hand holding out…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke describes the French Revolution as a revolt against a monarch offering concessions and protections, rather than against tyranny.
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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.
Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.
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.





