We well know, indeed, that a government requiring arbitrary power has been the situation in which this man has attempted to place us.
Edmund Burke: “We well know, indeed, that a government requiring arbitrary power has been the situation in which this man has attempted…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke reflects on the dangers of a government that requires arbitrary power, indicating a troubling situation.
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I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.
Not being illuminated with the light of which the gentlemen of France tell us they have got so abundant a share, they acted under a strong impression of the ignorance and fallibility of mankind.
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…
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.





