Edmund Burke 1729-1797

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

​

It is a general popular error to imagine the loudest complainers for the public to be the most anxious for its welfare.

​

​

What did Burke stand for?

​

Burke believed that the rights of individuals are important, but as part of society, and must accommodate the needs of all its members. There may be a contradiction in reconciling the needs of society over those of its component parts, so compromise is an essential quality.

Burke acknowledged the intrinsic flaw in doctrines such as Communism which tend to sublimate the needs of the individual to the demands of the masses, but also recognised that individualistic liberalism can reduce quality of human life.

Burke provides a powerful critique of destructive, anti-social doctrines such as the recent enthusiasm for "inalienable rights" which impinge on the silent majority, and advocates the application of constructive, competent, intelligent thought and action to allow society the freedom to survive and succeed.

​

How relevant is Burke today?

​

The conservative worldview based on Burkean principles is the only political stance capable of sustaining the individual within human society. It is most closely followed - if occasionally erratically - by the Conservative Party, so therefore Burkeans invariably support its candidates.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​