Edmund Burke argues that historical precedent can help us to deal with similar issues in the present. Edmund Burke is an advocate of keeping policies and customs of the past, not just for tradition’s sake but also for their success. Burke’s Reflections on the Revolution In France suggests that the present government should take into account the knowledge, respect and adherence of past practices in successful nations.
Once a nation has adopted a particular practice as tradition, it becomes dear to its citizens and should not be disputed without just cause. A nation’s tradition is cherished by its citizens. It should not change without good reason. Burke makes this clear when he writes: “All our reformations have followed the principle that reverence is due to antiquity…all future reformations will be based upon precedents and examples.”
Burke is convinced that the best way to reform law is by examining well-established precedents. Burke cites Magna Charta, a positive charter from Henry I. to prove his point. He describes the Magna Carta as “nothing but a reaffirmation of an even older standing law in the kingdom”.
Burke believes the idea of ‘inheritance is key to understanding both past events and future expectations. The concept of inheritance is used by Burke to justify and explain the change from the Magna Charta Declaration of Rights to the Magna Charta as an example of “entailed heritage derived to us from the forefathers.” This ‘inheritance’ serves more than just to maintain the traditional constitution, but to also preserve a nation’s unity. Burke thinks that preserving fundamental inheritances is the best way to create newer policies.
Burke firmly believes that the notion of maintaining a policy by ‘profound reflexion’ or respecting previous practices is something to which we should adhere above all. Burke compares preserving traditional customs and following nature, which implies that it is important to maintain a civil state in a given country. He states that “by a constitution policy, which follows the pattern in nature, we are able to receive, hold and transmit our government as we do our lives and property.” The institutions that govern us are passed down in the exact same way.
Burke also criticizes those who want to change or revolutionize the state’s policy. Burke’s subtly critiques current French government policies, even if they are well-intentioned. Burke then addresses the topic directly, saying “All you sophisters are unable to produce anything that is better adapted to the preservation of a rational manly freedom.”
Burke believes that the past has a profound influence on the present. Burke means to say that governments which are indifferent or unaware of the past are doomed for mass unrest. State officials can and should in many scenarios amend or reform policies, but they must be mindful of the past and use it as a guide for future decisions.
