On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
The revolution of America presented in politics what was only theory in mechanics.
Said by
Thomas Paine
Source
gutenberg.orgThomas Paine: “The revolution of America presented in politics what was only theory in mechanics.”
Editor's note · Context
From his work "Rights of Man," this passage highlights the American Revolution as the practical realization of political theories, akin to a mechanical principle put into action.
Share
More from Thomas Paine
Jan 1, 1791
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.
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
I have carefully avoided to enlarge upon the subject, because I am inclined to believe that what is called the present ministry, wish to see contentions about religion kept up, to prevent the nation turning its attention to subjects of…
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.