On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
Why are not Republics plunged into war, but because the nature of their Government does not admit of an interest distinct from that of the Nation?
Said by
Thomas Paine
Source
gutenberg.orgThomas Paine: “Why are not Republics plunged into war, but because the nature of their Government does not admit of an interest…”
Editor's note · Context
In "Rights of Man," this rhetorical question suggests that republics are less prone to war because their governments' interests align with those of the nation.
Share
More from Thomas Paine
Jan 1, 1791
Reason and discussion, persuasion and conviction, become the weapons in the contest, and it is only when those are attempted to be suppressed that recourse is had to violence.
Jan 1, 1791
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.
Jan 1, 1791
I do not believe that any two men, on what are called doctrinal points, think alike who think at all.
Jan 1, 1791
As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.