We do not know how to qualify millions of our countrymen, contending with one heart for an admission to privileges which we have ever thought our own happiness and honor, by odious and unworthy names.
Edmund Burke: “We do not know how to qualify millions of our countrymen, contending with one heart for an admission to privileges which…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke reflects on the shared aspirations of his countrymen, rejecting derogatory labels for those seeking rights and privileges.
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Those who are servants in name, as well as in effect, do not like to be told of their situation, their duty, and their obligations.
As he is not to obey us, but we are to obey the law in him, our Constitution has made no sort of provision towards rendering him, as a servant, in any degree responsible.
They look upon the legal hereditary succession of their crown as among their rights, not as among their wrongs,--as a benefit, not as a grievance,--as a security for their liberty, not as a badge of servitude.
If all the absurd theories of lawyers and divines were to vitiate the objects in which they are conversant, we should have no law and no religion left in the world.





