Politics Quote by Edmund Burke
““A government of five hundred country attornies and obscure curates is not good for twenty-four millions of men, though it were chosen by eight and forty millions; nor is it the better for being guided by a dozen of persons of quality, who have betrayed their trust in order to obtain that power.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Thoughts on the French Revolution, 1790
A small, elite ruling class cannot represent a massive populace, even if chosen by a minority.
In simple terms: Elite rule fails for many.
Key Takeaway
Promote broader representation.
Themes
politics
representation
elitism
Mood
analytical
historical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government reform
- citizen engagement
- policy making
Key Concepts
democracy
trust
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms ensure true representation?
- Can a small group ever act for the many?
A Different Perspective
Elitist systems can be efficient but unjust.
