On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
When, instead of this, it operates to create and increase wretchedness in any of the parts of society, it is on a wrong system, and reformation is necessary.
Said by
Thomas Paine
Source
gutenberg.orgThomas Paine: “When, instead of this, it operates to create and increase wretchedness in any of the parts of society, it is on a wrong…”
Editor's note · Context
Paine argues in "Rights of Man" that a government causing societal suffering indicates a flawed system requiring fundamental change.
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Jan 1, 1791
If, therefore, the good to be obtained be worthy of a passive, rational, and costless revolution, it would be bad policy to prefer waiting for a calamity that should force a violent one.
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But as religion is very improperly made a political machine, and the reality of it is thereby destroyed, I will conclude this work with stating in what light religion appears to me.
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