The mind is brought far more easily to acquiesce in the proceedings of one man, or a few, who act under a general procuration for the state, than in the vote of a victorious majority in councils in which every man has his share in the deliberation.
Burke suggests that people are more likely to accept decisions made by a few representatives than by a majority vote.
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More from Edmund Burke
This is the result of all the delusions held out to engage a miserable people in rebellion, murder, and sacrilege, and to make them prompt and zealous instruments in the ruin of their country!
Of this consolation whoever deprives them deadens their industry, and strikes at the root of all acquisition as of all conservation.
The improvements of the National Assembly are superficial, their errors fundamental.
Those who know what virtuous liberty is cannot bear to see it disgraced by incapable heads, on account of their having high-sounding words in their mouths.
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