On the record
Despotism does not in the smallest degree abrogate, alter, or lessen any one duty of any one relation of life, or weaken the force or obligation of any one engagement or contract whatsoever.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “Despotism does not in the smallest degree abrogate, alter, or lessen any one duty of any one relation of life, or weaken…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke argues that despotism does not diminish the responsibilities inherent in social contracts, emphasizing the continuity of duty under tyranny.
Share
More from Edmund Burke
Jan 1, 1790
Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.
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
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…
Jan 1, 1790
Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.
Other voices in this conversation
