Every man Quote by Edmund Burke
““. . . they who plead an absolute right cannot be satisfied with anything short of personal representation, because all natural rights must be the rights of individuals; as by nature there is no such thing as politic or corporate personality; all these things are mere fictions of law, they are creatures of voluntary institution; men as men are individuals, and nothing else. They, therefore, who reject the principle of natural and personal representation, are essentially and eternally at variance with those who claim it. As to the first sort of reformers, it is ridiculous to talk to them of the British constitution upon any or upon all of its bases; for they lay it down that every man ought to govern himself, and that where he cannot go himself he must send his representative; that all other government is usurpation; and is so far from having a claim to our obedience, it is not only our right, but our duty, to resist it.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political Treatise, 1790s
Advocates that natural rights belong to individuals, not abstract entities, and that governance must be personal representation.
In simple terms: Rights belong to individuals; government must represent them.
Key Takeaway
Demand personal representation.
Themes
politics
rights
individualism
Mood
determined
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- voting
- civic engagement
- activism
- legal reform
Key Concepts
natural law
representation
sovereignty
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance individual rights with communal duties?
- When is collective action justified?
A Different Perspective
May overlook collective needs and social responsibilities.
![“Vote for Donald Trump. You're going to see something and you'll be so happy, you'll be so thrilled. This [presidential] election is about every man, woman and child in our country who deserves to live in safety, prosperity and peace, so true.” quote by Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/18e/donald-trump-18_children_vote-for-donald-trump-you-re-going-to-se_1553.jpg)
