I know that he, and those who are much prevalent with him, though they are not thought so much devoted to popularity as others, do very much look to the people, and more than I think is wise in them, who do so little to guide and direct the public opinion.
Burke critiques those who, while not overtly seeking popularity, still heavily consider public opinion in their actions.
Share
More from Edmund Burke
The improvements of the National Assembly are superficial, their errors fundamental.
To keep a balance between the power of acquisition on the part of the subject and the demands he is to answer on the part of the state is the fundamental part of the skill of a true politician.
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.
Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.
Other voices in this conversation
