On the record
The revolution commenced in something plausible, in something which carried the appearance at least of punishment of delinquency or correction of abuse.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “The revolution commenced in something plausible, in something which carried the appearance at least of punishment of…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke reflects on the initial justifications for revolutionary actions, suggesting they often appear reasonable at first.
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More from Edmund Burke
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.
Jan 1, 1790
They come from one who has been no tool of power, no flatterer of greatness, and who in his last acts does not wish to belie the tenor of his life.
Jan 1, 1790
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.
Jan 1, 1790
Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.
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