When men, as well from natural instinct as from reciprocal benefits, have habituated themselves to social and civilised life, there is always enough of its principles in practice to carry them through any changes they may find necessary or convenient to make in their government.
Thomas Paine: “When men, as well from natural instinct as from reciprocal benefits, have habituated themselves to social and civilised…”
Editor's note · Context
From "Rights of Man," this passage suggests that once accustomed to social life, people possess sufficient principles to navigate any necessary governmental changes.
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