As a life of absolute license tends to turn men into savages, the other extreme of constraint operates much in the same manner: it reduces them to the same ignorance, but leaves them nothing of the savage spirit.
Burke compares the extremes of freedom and constraint, suggesting both can lead to ignorance and loss of spirit.
Share
More from Edmund Burke
Of this consolation whoever deprives them deadens their industry, and strikes at the root of all acquisition as of all conservation.
In some people I see great liberty, indeed; in many, if not in the most, an oppressive, degrading servitude.
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.
To establish a current circulating credit upon any land-bank, under any circumstances whatsoever, has hitherto proved difficult at the very least.
Other voices in this conversation
