On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
War is their trade, plunder and revenue their objects.
Said by
Thomas Paine
Source
gutenberg.orgThomas Paine: “War is their trade, plunder and revenue their objects.”
Editor's note · Context
From "Rights of Man," Paine condemns traditional governments, asserting that their primary pursuits are war, plunder, and the accumulation of revenue.
Share
More from Thomas Paine
Jan 1, 1791
The argument changes from hereditary rights to hereditary wisdom; and the question is, Who is the wisest man?
Jan 1, 1791
The aristocracy has screened itself too much, and this serves to restore a part of the lost equilibrium.
Jan 1, 1791
The Aristocracy had hitherto opposed the despotism of the Court, and affected the language of patriotism; but it opposed it as its rival (as the English Barons opposed King John) and it now opposed the nation from the same motives.