The usual honors of the dead, to be sure, are not sufficiently sublime to escort a character like you to the republic of dust and ashes; for however men may differ in their ideas of grandeur or of government here, the grave is nevertheless a perfect republic.
In a satirical address to a British general, Paine reflects on the ultimate equality of all individuals in death, regardless of their earthly status or political beliefs.
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The argument changes from hereditary rights to hereditary wisdom; and the question is, Who is the wisest man?
It was become evident, that no constitution, worthy of being called by that name, could be established on anything less than a national ground.
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.