On the record
The interest of the people who are governed by them would not be their primary object,--perhaps a very small part of their consideration at all.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “The interest of the people who are governed by them would not be their primary object,--perhaps a very small part of…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke points out that the governed people's interests are not prioritized by their rulers.
Share
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.
Jan 1, 1790
If any of them should happen to propose a scheme of liberty soberly limited, and defined with proper qualifications, he will be immediately outbid by his competitors, who will produce something more splendidly popular.
Jan 1, 1790
Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.
Jan 1, 1790
Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.
Other voices in this conversation
