On the recordJanuary 1, 1790
If the people are happy, united, wealthy, and powerful, we presume the rest.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “If the people are happy, united, wealthy, and powerful, we presume the rest.”
Editor's note · Context
From his critique of the French Revolution, Burke observes that the well-being and strength of a nation's populace are the ultimate indicators of a good government.
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Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.
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The improvements of the National Assembly are superficial, their errors fundamental.
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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.
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