Democracy Quote by Edmund Burke
“General rebellions and revolts of a whole people never were encouraged now or at any time. They are always provoked.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents, 1790
Mass uprisings are rarely spontaneous; they arise from provocation and oppression.
In simple terms: People revolt when provoked.
Address grievances before they spark revolt.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government policy debates
- labor strikes
- civil rights movements
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do leaders have to prevent revolt?
- When is protest justified?
Not all unrest is provoked; some stem from genuine grievances.