Quote by Edmund Burke
Certainly, Gentlemen, it ought to be the happiness and glory of a representative to live in the strictest union, the closest correspondence, and the most unreserved communication with his constituents. Their wishes ought to have great weight with him; their opinions high respect; their business unremitted attention. It is his duty to sacrifice his repose, his pleasure, his satisfactions, to theirs,and above all, ever, and in all cases, to prefer their interest to his own. But his unbiased opinion, his mature judgment, his enlightened conscience, he ought not to sacrifice to you, to any man, or to any set of men living. These he does not derive from your pleasure,no, nor from the law and the Constitution. They are a trust from Providence, for the abuse of which he is deeply answerable. 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.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the importance of a representative's duty towards their constituents. It highlights that a representative should maintain a strong and open line of communication with their constituents and prioritize their wishes and opinions. The representative is urged to dedicate themselves entirely to the constituents' needs, even above their own personal interests and comfort. However, the quote also reminds us that a representative should exercise their unbiased opinion, mature judgment, and enlightened conscience. They should not blindly follow the will of the people, for they have a responsibility to exercise independent thinking and act in the best interest of all, as their mandate comes from a higher power.
By Edmund Burke
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