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Judgment Quote by Edmund Burke

“Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays instead of serving you if he sacrifices it to your opinion.” quote by Edmund Burke
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“Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays instead of serving you if he sacrifices it to your opinion.”

Edmund Burke

About This Quote

Source Speech: Reflections on the Revolution in France, 1790

A representative must prioritize duty over public opinion, lest he betray his role by sacrificing judgment for popular sentiment.

In simple terms: Representatives should serve duty, not public opinion.

Key Takeaway

U duty over popularity.

Themes

responsibility integrity leadership

Mood

serious reflective

Type

ethical political

When to use this quote

  • political office
  • public decision
  • policy making

Key Concepts

public service political ethics accountability

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance personal conviction with constituents' wishes?
  • When should a leader prioritize principle over popularity?
A Different Perspective

If public opinion is misinformed, judgment may be compromised.

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