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.
Share
More from Thomas Paine
Jan 1, 1791
In fine, society performs for itself almost everything which is ascribed to government.
Jan 1, 1791
I know the value of moral instruction, and I have seen the danger of the contrary.
Jan 1, 1791
The man who is in the receipt of a million a year is the last person to promote a spirit of reform, lest, in the event, it should reach to himself.