Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: The body of the community, whenever it can come to act, can meet with no effectual resistance; but till power and right…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1790
The body of the community, whenever it can come to act, can meet with no effectual resistance; but till power and right are the same, the whole body of them has no right inconsistent with virtue, and the first of all virtues, prudence.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke argues that the community's power is irresistible, but its rights are constrained by virtue and prudence until power and right align.

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