On the record
In order that the people, after a long period of vexation and plunder, may be in a condition to maintain government, government must begin by maintaining them.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “In order that the people, after a long period of vexation and plunder, may be in a condition to maintain government…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke argues that a government must first support its people to ensure stability and governance can be maintained.
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Jan 1, 1790
Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.
Jan 1, 1790
I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.
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.
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