But an absurd theory on one side of a question forms no justification for alleging a false fact or promulgating mischievous maxims on the other.
Editor's note · Context
In his critique of revolutionary arguments, Burke asserts that a flawed theory from one side does not excuse the propagation of falsehoods or harmful principles by the opposition.
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By adhering in this manner and on those principles to our forefathers, we are guided, not by the superstition of antiquarians, but by the spirit of philosophic analogy.
No experience has taught us that in any other course or method than that of an hereditary crown our liberties can be regularly perpetuated and preserved sacred as our hereditary right.
Who could conceive that men who are habitually meddling, daring, subtle, active, of litigious dispositions and unquiet minds, would easily fall back into their old condition of obscure contention, and laborious, low, and unprofitable…
Who could doubt but that, at any expense to the state, of which they understood nothing, they must pursue their private interests, which they understood but too well?





