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The Evils of Revolution: Penguin Great Ideas

Jan Mitchell

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The Evils of Revolution is a classic work of political philosophy by Edmund Burke. Originally published in 1790, it argues that revolution is always a destructive force and that it is never justified.

The Evils of Revolution (Penguin Great Ideas)

by Edmund Burke

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Burke's argument is based on the idea that society is a complex organism that has evolved over centuries. He argues that revolution is like a violent fever that can destroy the body politic. He also argues that revolution is always led by a small group of ambitious men who are willing to use violence to achieve their own ends.

Burke's book was written in response to the French Revolution. He was horrified by the violence and chaos that followed the overthrow of the monarchy. He argued that the revolution had destroyed the fabric of French society and that it would take years to rebuild.

The Evils of Revolution is a powerful and persuasive argument against revolution. Burke's insights are still relevant today, and his book is essential reading for anyone interested in politics or history.

Burke's Argument Against Revolution

Burke's argument against revolution is based on the following points:

Society is a complex organism that has evolved over centuries.
Revolution is like a violent fever that can destroy the body politic.
Revolution is always led by a small group of ambitious men who are willing to use violence to achieve their own ends.
Revolution destroys the fabric of society and takes years to rebuild.

Burke believed that society is a complex organism that has evolved over centuries. He argued that it is a delicate balance of institutions, customs, and traditions. Revolution, he argued, is like a violent fever that can destroy this delicate balance.

Burke also argued that revolution is always led by a small group of ambitious men who are willing to use violence to achieve their own ends. He believed that these men are not interested in the welfare of the people. They are only interested in power.

Finally, Burke argued that revolution destroys the fabric of society and takes years to rebuild. He pointed to the French Revolution as an example. He argued that the revolution had destroyed the French monarchy, the aristocracy, and the Church. It had also led to a reign of terror that had killed thousands of people.

The Legacy of The Evils of Revolution

The Evils of Revolution has been a controversial book since its publication. It has been praised by some for its insights into the dangers of revolution. It has also been criticized by others for its defense of the status quo.

Despite the controversy, The Evils of Revolution remains an important work of political philosophy. It is a powerful and persuasive argument against revolution. Burke's insights are still relevant today, and his book is essential reading for anyone interested in politics or history.

The Evils of Revolution is a classic work of political philosophy that argues that revolution is always a destructive force and that it is never justified. Burke's argument is based on the idea that society is a complex organism that has evolved over centuries. He argues that revolution is like a violent fever that can destroy the body politic. He also argues that revolution is always led by a small group of ambitious men who are willing to use violence to achieve their own ends.

The Evils of Revolution (Penguin Great Ideas)

by Edmund Burke

4.5 out of 5