Edmund Burke, the 18th-century Irish statesman and philosopher, placed great importance on manners as a foundation of social and political order. One of his most well-known quotes on the topic comes from his work "Letters on a Regicide Peace" (1796), where he writes:
"Manners are of more importance than laws. Upon them, in a great measure, the laws depend."
This statement reflects Burke's belief that social norms, customs, and etiquette—what he called “manners”—are crucial to maintaining civil society. Here's a deeper explanation of what he meant:
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Manners support the law: Burke argued that without a general respect for tradition, civility, and moral behavior, laws become ineffective or even oppressive. Laws can set limits, but manners shape everyday conduct and mutual respect.
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Cultural continuity: For Burke, manners were part of a broader “social fabric” that connected generations. They carried the accumulated wisdom of the past and helped transmit it to the future, fostering stability.
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Civility in politics and society: He feared that the radical upheaval of traditions—like during the French Revolution—would erode not only institutions but the moral glue that held society together.
In essence, Burke saw manners not as superficial niceties, but as deeply rooted expressions of shared values that make freedom, order, and justice possible.
- Who was Edmund Burke?
