But the spirit of the nation was not to be overcome, and it was so fully sensible of the strong ground it had taken--that of withholding taxes--that it contented itself with keeping up a sort of quiet resistance, which effectually overthrew all the plans at that time formed against it.
Reflecting on the French pre-revolutionary period, Paine describes the power of a nation's collective will and its ability to resist oppressive plans.
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I know the value of moral instruction, and I have seen the danger of the contrary.
A knowledge of the practice was then joined to the theory; and all that was wanting to give it real existence was opportunity.
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.