Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: To inherit a government, is to inherit the people, as if they were flocks and herds.

On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
To inherit a government, is to inherit the people, as if they were flocks and herds.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

Paine likens inheriting a government to inheriting people as if they were livestock, emphasizing the dehumanizing aspect of hereditary rule.

Share

More from Thomas Paine

Jan 1, 1791

He pities the plumage, but forgets the dying bird.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

The Parliaments on their part insisted that they had not only a right to remonstrate, but to reject; and on this ground they were always supported by the nation.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

They form a common policy throughout Europe, detached and separate from the interest of Nations: and while they appear to quarrel, they agree to plunder.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

The animosity of the English nation, it is very well remembered, ran high; and, had the true principles of Liberty been as well understood then as they now promise to be, it is probable the Nation would not have patiently submitted to so…

gutenberg.org