Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “Are we to deny to a majority of the people the right of altering even the whole frame of their society, if such should…”

On the record
Are we to deny to a majority of the people the right of altering even the whole frame of their society, if such should be their pleasure?
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke questions whether a majority should have the right to completely alter their societal structure.

Share

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

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.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

Whatever they are, I wish my countrymen rather to recommend to our neighbors the example of the British Constitution than to take models from them for the improvement of our own.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

I think our happy situation owing to our Constitution,--but owing to the whole of it, and not to any part singly,--owing in a great measure to what we have left standing in our several reviews and reformations, as well as to what we have…

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation