Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: The case is, that mankind (from the long tyranny of assumed power) have had so few opportunities of making the necessary…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
The case is, that mankind (from the long tyranny of assumed power) have had so few opportunities of making the necessary trials on modes and principles of government, in order to discover the best, that government is but now beginning to be known, and experience is yet wanting to determine many particulars.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

In "Rights of Man," Paine reflects on humanity's limited historical experience with different forms of government due to past tyranny, suggesting that true understanding is still emerging.

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