The foundation of government (those who have read that book will recollect) is laid in a provision for our wants and in a conformity to our duties: it is to purvey for the one, it is to enforce the other.
Edmund Burke: “The foundation of government (those who have read that book will recollect) is laid in a provision for our wants and in…”
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Edmund Burke
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Burke emphasizes that government should address human needs and enforce duties, balancing both aspects.
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