Spreading the contagion of their spleen

From Observations on a Late Publication on the Present State of the Nation (1769) by Edmund Burke. In a world where most things are generally improving, it is a constant struggle for those so concerned to find legitimate things about which to be concerned. The absence of genuine crisis leads 1) fake crises, and 2) louder protestations.

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

Burke describes the real motivations of these protesters:

The true cause of his drawing so shocking a picture is no more than this; and it ought rather to claim our pity than excite our indignation; he finds himself out of power; and this condition is intolerable to him. The same sun which gilds all nature, and exhilarates the whole creation, does not shine upon disappointed ambition. It is something that rays out of darkness, and inspires nothing but gloom and melancholy. Men in this deplorable state of mind find a comfort in spreading the contagion of their spleen.