I never will suppose that fabric of a state to be the worst of all political institutions which by experience is found to contain a principle favorable (however latent it may be) to the increase of mankind.
In his reflections on the French Revolution, Burke argues against condemning a state's structure if it has historically fostered human flourishing.
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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.
Never did a state, in any case, enrich itself by the confiscations of the citizens.
He that does this is the cruel oppressor, the merciless enemy of the poor and wretched; at the same time that by his wicked speculations he exposes the fruits of successful industry and the accumulations of fortune to the plunder of the…
Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.
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