On the recordJanuary 1, 1790
Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke suggests that true patriotism lies in defending existing liberties and institutions from radical change, rather than seeking revolutionary alterations.
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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.
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.
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They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.
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