Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: A change of generals, like a change of physicians, served only to keep the flattery alive, and furnish new pretences for…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1776
A change of generals, like a change of physicians, served only to keep the flattery alive, and furnish new pretences for new extravagance.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

Paine extends his medical analogy to criticize the British practice of changing military leaders, suggesting it merely perpetuates false hope and justifies further spending.

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