On the recordJanuary 1, 1790
However, to be subject to the pleasure of that Assembly is not to be subject to law, either for protection or for constraint.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “However, to be subject to the pleasure of that Assembly is not to be subject to law, either for protection or for…”
Editor's note · Context
Critiquing the accountability mechanisms of the French National Assembly, Burke argues that being subject to the Assembly's will is not equivalent to being subject to the rule of law, which provides both protection and constraint.
Share
More from Edmund Burke
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
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.
Jan 1, 1790
But when the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service.
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
