It has been the crime and folly of England to suppose herself invincible, and that, without acknowledging or perceiving that a full third of her strength was drawn from the country she is now at war with.
From "The American Crisis," Paine criticizes England's arrogance in believing itself invincible while failing to recognize its dependence on the American colonies.
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In fine, society performs for itself almost everything which is ascribed to government.
The object is not so much the produce of the tax as the justice of the measure.
Nothing can be more terrible to a Court or Courtier than the Revolution of France.
They form a common policy throughout Europe, detached and separate from the interest of Nations: and while they appear to quarrel, they agree to plunder.