Reflections On The Revolution In France

In the next section, Burke describes how the National Assembly slowly disbands or destroys each of its institutions. To equalize their country, the Assembly razes its political landscape. Their first step is to disband the monarchy. However, the monarchy, Burke believes, is a standing institution that offers dignity and inspires loyalty in France. He believes the monarchy embodies a chivalry that gives European natures character, but argues that those left out of that power (those in power now in the Assembly) might have long desired the bitter fall of such an institution. Burke laments, “I knew, indeed, that the sufferings of monarchs make a delicious repast to some sort of palates” (72). He uses this as an example of the Assembly pursuing a selfish desire over what is best for their country.

Without a central figure or a moralizing figure like a king or other institution, like a church, Burke predicts that morals of a more serious nature will fall out of fashion as well. Once civility is gone, law and order are not far behind. Under institutions, men behave well because society is based on reciprocal rights and social responsibilities. Under an absence of such direction, men will behave out of private interest.