Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: If the people are happy, united, wealthy, and powerful, we presume the rest.

On the recordJanuary 1, 1790
If the people are happy, united, wealthy, and powerful, we presume the rest.
Said by
Edmund Burke

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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