On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
They are thrown to the cannibal for prey, and the natural parent prepares the unnatural repast.
Said by
Thomas Paine
Source
gutenberg.orgThomas Paine: “They are thrown to the cannibal for prey, and the natural parent prepares the unnatural repast.”
Editor's note · Context
Paine uses a powerful metaphor to describe how primogeniture forces parents to effectively sacrifice their younger children to societal neglect.
Share
More from Thomas Paine
Jan 1, 1791
When men unite in agreeing that a thing is good, could it be obtained, such for instance as relief from a burden of taxes and the extinction of corruption, the object is more than half accomplished.
Jan 1, 1791
In contemplating revolutions, it is easy to perceive that they may arise from two distinct causes; the one, to avoid or get rid of some great calamity; the other, to obtain some great and positive good; and the two may be distinguished by…
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
When a nation changes its opinion and habits of thinking, it is no longer to be governed as before; but it would not only be wrong, but bad policy, to attempt by force what ought to be accomplished by reason.