On the record
The moneyed men, merchants, principal tradesmen, and men of letters (hitherto generally thought the peaceable and even timid part of society) are the chief actors in the French Revolution.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “The moneyed men, merchants, principal tradesmen, and men of letters (hitherto generally thought the peaceable and even…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke identifies the unexpected role of previously passive societal groups in the French Revolution.
Share
More from Edmund Burke
Jan 1, 1790
As he is not to obey us, but we are to obey the law in him, our Constitution has made no sort of provision towards rendering him, as a servant, in any degree responsible.
Jan 1, 1790
Their objects would be enlarged with their elevation; but their disposition, and habits, and mode of accomplishing their designs must remain the same.
Jan 1, 1790
By adhering in this manner and on those principles to our forefathers, we are guided, not by the superstition of antiquarians, but by the spirit of philosophic analogy.
Other voices in this conversation
