Edmund Burke: “The character of such a prince is not, therefore, what influences the…”

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The character of such a prince is not, therefore, what influences the government, any further than as it puts it in the hands of others.

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Edmund Burke

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Burke reflects on the influence of a prince's character on governance, emphasizing that it often lies in the hands of others.

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

In some people I see great liberty, indeed; in many, if not in the most, an oppressive, degrading servitude.

Jan 1, 1790

I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.

Jan 1, 1790

It is an evil inevitably attendant on the dominion of sovereign democratic republics.

Jan 1, 1790

They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.

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Edmund Burke: “The character of such a prince is not, therefore, what influences the government, any further than as it puts it in the…”