It would be hard to point out any error more truly…
““It would be hard to point out any error more truly subversive of all the order and beauty, all the peace and happiness, of human society than the position that the body of men have a right to make what laws they please; or that laws can derive any authority from their institution merely and independent of the quality of the subject-matter. No arguments of policy, reason of state, or preservation of the constitution can be pleaded in favor of such a practice. They may in deed impeach the frame of that constitution; but can never touch this immovable principle. This seems to be, indeed, the principle which Hobbes broached in the last century, and which was then so frequently and so ably refuted.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Burke argues that allowing people to create laws at will undermines societal order, peace, and happiness, a principle he sees as immutable and historically contested.
In simple terms: Making laws without restraint harms society.
Key Takeaway
Respect constitutional limits on lawmaking.
Themes
law
society
order
philosophy
politics
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- constitutional reform
- civic education
- public policy debates
Key Concepts
social contract
authority
legitimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance constitutional stability with needed legal change?
- When is it justified to challenge entrenched legal principles?
A Different Perspective
Burke’s view may overlook necessary legal evolution and democratic participation.