The expense of maintaining dominion more than absorbs the profits of any trade.
Thomas Paine: “The expense of maintaining dominion more than absorbs the profits of any trade.”
Editor's note · Context
Paine argues that the costs associated with maintaining imperial control negate any potential economic benefits from trade.
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If, therefore, the good to be obtained be worthy of a passive, rational, and costless revolution, it would be bad policy to prefer waiting for a calamity that should force a violent one.
As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.
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?
In those which proceed from the former cause, the temper becomes incensed and soured; and the redress, obtained by danger, is too often sullied by revenge.