If systems of government can be introduced less expensive and more productive of general happiness than those which have existed, all attempts to oppose their progress will in the end be fruitless.
In "Rights of Man," Paine asserts that superior governmental systems, offering greater happiness and efficiency, will ultimately overcome any opposition to their adoption.
Share
More from Thomas Paine
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.
Whether robbery shall be banished from courts, and wretchedness from countries?
He writes neither in the character of a Frenchman nor an Englishman, but in the fawning character of that creature known in all countries, and a friend to none--a courtier.
The argument changes from hereditary rights to hereditary wisdom; and the question is, Who is the wisest man?