The frivolous matters upon which war is made, show the disposition and avidity of Governments to uphold the system of war, and betray the motives upon which they act.
Thomas Paine: “The frivolous matters upon which war is made, show the disposition and avidity of Governments to uphold the system of…”
Editor's note · Context
In "Rights of Man," this criticizes governments for initiating wars over trivial matters, revealing their self-serving interest in maintaining a system of conflict.
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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.
Discussion and the general will arbitrates the question, and to this, private opinion yields with a good grace, and order is preserved uninterrupted.
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