All who have ever written on government are unanimous, that among a people generally corrupt liberty cannot long exist.
Edmund Burke: “All who have ever written on government are unanimous, that among a people generally corrupt liberty cannot long exist.”
Editor's note · Context
Burke asserts that widespread corruption among the populace is incompatible with the existence of liberty.
Share
More from Edmund Burke
Not being illuminated with the light of which the gentlemen of France tell us they have got so abundant a share, they acted under a strong impression of the ignorance and fallibility of mankind.
I think our happy situation owing to our Constitution,--but owing to the whole of it, and not to any part singly,--owing in a great measure to what we have left standing in our several reviews and reformations, as well as to what we have…
They come from one who has been no tool of power, no flatterer of greatness, and who in his last acts does not wish to belie the tenor of his life.
Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.





