Many people, Edmund Burke included, despise change; they prefer the world to stay constant. The upheaval of social order is deemed as an unnecessary and a wasteful change. Edmund Burke shares a politically conservative view; therefore, he opposes revolutions, namely the French Revolution. In his opinion, the revolution only served to destroy France’s foundation and tradition. For example, he explained the people of France were making rash decisions; their rationalization was compromised. To maintain order, Burk suggested, “…but we ought to suspend our judgment until the first effervescence is a little subsided, till the liquor is cleared…” (Paragraph 13). He likened their impaired judgment to being drunk; their ability to make clear, concise decisions was being affected by the rush of power. The latter portion of the quote, “…and until we see something deeper than the agitation of a troubled and frothy surface” (Paragraph 13), explains people allowed their emotions to control them. The citizens of France reacted off their first emotion rather than analyzing the situation. Even after the new government was established, The Directory, officials allowed the fear of losing power to dictate their actions; thousands of commoners and political rivals were killed because they were “suspected of treason”. If…show more content… To Oakeshott, being conservative was a way of “being-in-the-world”. People should appreciate the opportunities presented to them rather than searching for new options, “…enjoy what is available rather than to wish for or to look for something else; to delight in what us present rather than what was or what may be” (Oakeshott 130). I agree; we should be grateful for the gifts we have received, but if a person wants more from life, they should continue to search to maximize their happiness. American society preaches, mainly in athletics, to never be content; always be hungry for
