When any old prejudice of their own, or any interest that they value, is touched, they become scrupulous, they become captious; and every man has his separate exception.
Edmund Burke: “When any old prejudice of their own, or any interest that they value, is touched, they become scrupulous, they become…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke highlights the tendency of individuals to become defensive when their interests are threatened, complicating reform efforts.
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Who could flatter himself that these men, suddenly, and as it were by enchantment, snatched from the humblest rank of subordination, would not be intoxicated with their unprepared greatness?
Do they mean to attaint and disable backwards all the kings that have reigned before the Revolution, and consequently to stain the throne of England with the blot of a continual usurpation?
This is the spirit of our Constitution, not only in its settled course, but in all its revolutions.
Those who are servants in name, as well as in effect, do not like to be told of their situation, their duty, and their obligations.





