First, it shows that they are of opinion that the current opinions of the English have the greatest influence on the minds of the people in France, and indeed of all the people in Europe, since they catch with such astonishing eagerness at every the most trifling show of such opinions in their favor.
Burke notes that the French believe English opinions significantly impact their own public sentiment.
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More from Edmund Burke
They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.
The body of the people must not find the principles of natural subordination by art rooted out of their minds.
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.
This was reserved to our time, to quench the little glimmerings of reason which might break in upon the solid darkness of this enlightened age.
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