Every war terminates with an addition of taxes, and consequently with an addition of revenue; and in any event of war, in the manner they are now commenced and concluded, the power and interest of Governments are increased.
In "Rights of Man," this argues that wars invariably lead to increased taxes and governmental power, regardless of the outcome.
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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.
I know the value of moral instruction, and I have seen the danger of the contrary.
The meaning, then, good people, of all this, is: That government is governed by no principle whatever; that it can make evil good, or good evil, just as it pleases.