It requires a deep knowledge of human nature and human necessities, and of the things which facilitate or obstruct the various ends which are to be pursued by the mechanism of civil institutions.
Continuing his argument against simplistic political reforms, Burke emphasizes the profound understanding required for designing civil institutions.
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But the king of Great Britain obeys no other person; all other persons are individually, and collectively too, under him, and owe to him a legal obedience.
Who could conceive that men who are habitually meddling, daring, subtle, active, of litigious dispositions and unquiet minds, would easily fall back into their old condition of obscure contention, and laborious, low, and unprofitable…
The engagement and pact of society, which generally goes by the name of the Constitution, forbids such invasion and such surrender.
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.
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