The French revolutionists complained of everything; they refused to reform anything; and they left nothing, no, nothing at all, unchanged.
Edmund Burke: “The French revolutionists complained of everything; they refused to reform anything; and they left nothing, no, nothing…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke critiques the French revolutionists for their refusal to reform while complaining about the existing order.
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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.
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.
Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.
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.





