It is for this reason that Montesquieu observed, very justly, that, in their classification of the citizens, the great legislators of antiquity made the greatest display of their powers, and even soared above themselves.
Burke references Montesquieu to illustrate how great legislators of antiquity excelled in categorizing citizens.
Share
More from Edmund Burke
They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.
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.
Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.
The improvements of the National Assembly are superficial, their errors fundamental.
Other voices in this conversation
