Thomas Paine Quote

"Some writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but have different origins. Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices. The one encourages intercourse, the other creates distinctions. The first is a patron, the last a punisher."

by:	Thomas Paine (1737-1809) US Founding father, pamphleteer, author
Source:	Common Sense, February 14, 1776
Rating:
Categories:	Freedom, Government, Morals, Police, Society, Courage, Liberty
	Tweet

They are but two sides of the same coin, and they are not so clearly polarized as Paine would lead us to believe.  -- Anonymous, Reston, VA US      3
Society is characterized by neighbors helping neigbors, charity from individuals, churches or other free associations of people, to the needy. Government is characterized by taking goods from one segment of society at the point of a gun, and distrubuting the loot to the select group or individual. Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe is the ultimate in government.  -- Ken, Allyn, WA      3
Government is a subset of society -- society is not s subset of government.  -- E Archer, NYC      2
FREEDOM, like everything else, if not labored for isn't valued nearly enough. It is our human nature that gives freedom it's value and our virtue is the only honest appraiser.  -- Rex Robinson, Florence      3
Government's theological "identity politics' is but one evil in a myriad of wickedness that promotes vices. Compelled compliance, victimless crimes, government licenses, authorized larceny (2nd plank of the communist manifesto, funny money {debt notes}, title replacement of perfected allodium, etc.) are all wicked punishments that negatively restrains individual sovereignty, inalienable rights and liberty at nature's law.   -- Mike,, Norwalk      1
Society and government are one by the responsible minded. Mr Paine is using government in the form of a scapegoat as so many irresponsible practice.  -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown      2
-- Abby
-- Ronw13, ID

Tweet  Rate this quote! How many stars? 0 1 2 3 4 5	What do YOU think?
Your name:	Your town:     CLICK JUST ONCE!

Get a Quote-A-Day! Free!
Liberty Quotes sent to your mail box.
Email: