Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: Though it avoids taking to its account the errors it commits, and the mischiefs it occasions, it fails not to arrogate…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
Though it avoids taking to its account the errors it commits, and the mischiefs it occasions, it fails not to arrogate to itself whatever has the appearance of prosperity.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

Paine criticizes government in "Rights of Man" for claiming credit for societal prosperity while evading responsibility for its failures and harms.

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