Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: “If commerce were permitted to act to the universal extent it is capable, it would extirpate the system of war, and…”

On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
If commerce were permitted to act to the universal extent it is capable, it would extirpate the system of war, and produce a revolution in the uncivilised state of governments.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

Paine envisions commerce, if fully unleashed, as a force capable of eliminating war and transforming the uncivilized nature of governments.

Share

More from Thomas Paine

Jan 1, 1791

I have carefully avoided to enlarge upon the subject, because I am inclined to believe that what is called the present ministry, wish to see contentions about religion kept up, to prevent the nation turning its attention to subjects of…

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

Why may we not suppose, that the great Father of all is pleased with variety of devotion; and that the greatest offence we can act, is that by which we seek to torment and render each other miserable?

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

I do not believe that any two men, on what are called doctrinal points, think alike who think at all.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

When men unite in agreeing that a thing is good, could it be obtained, such for instance as relief from a burden of taxes and the extinction of corruption, the object is more than half accomplished.

gutenberg.org