Thomas Paine: “We must shut our eyes against reason, we must basely degrade our understanding, not to see the folly of what is called…”

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.

Many of the facts were in themselves principles; such as the declaration of American Independence, and the treaty of alliance between France and America, which recognised the natural rights of man, and justified resistance to oppression.

The more it is struck the more sparks it will emit; and the fear is it will not be struck enough.

In fine, society performs for itself almost everything which is ascribed to government.