"It is a general popular error to suppose the loudest complainers for the public to be the most anxious for its welfare"

This quote by Edmund Burke is a commentary on the tendency of people to assume that those who are the most vocal about their complaints are the most passionate about the public's welfare. Burke is suggesting that this is not always the case, which the loudest bellyachers might not be the most concerned about the general public's welfare. He is suggesting that people ought to not take the loudest bellyachers at stated value, which it is very important to look beyond the surface to determine who is really enthusiastic about the public's well-being. Burke is likewise suggesting that individuals must be more critical when it comes to evaluating who is truly concerned about the public's welfare, which it is important to look beyond the surface to determine who is really enthusiastic about the public's well-being. Ultimately, Burke is motivating people to be more thoughtful and critical when it pertains to evaluating who is really worried about the general public's welfare.