The crowd readily followed the politicians in the cry for a war which threatened little bloodshed, and which promised victories that were attended with something more solid than glory.
Edmund Burke: “The crowd readily followed the politicians in the cry for a war which threatened little bloodshed, and which promised…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke describes how the public was easily swayed by politicians to support a war that seemed low-risk and promising.
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More from Edmund Burke
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.
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.
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.
The improvements of the National Assembly are superficial, their errors fundamental.





