Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: Each Government accuses the other of perfidy, intrigue, and ambition, as a means of heating the imagination of their…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
Each Government accuses the other of perfidy, intrigue, and ambition, as a means of heating the imagination of their respective Nations, and incensing them to hostilities.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

In "Rights of Man," this describes how governments use accusations against each other to inflame public sentiment and incite their nations to war.

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