Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: “If the present generation, or any other, are disposed to be slaves, it does not lessen the right of the succeeding…”

On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
If the present generation, or any other, are disposed to be slaves, it does not lessen the right of the succeeding generation to be free.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

In "Rights of Man," Paine asserts that the choice of one generation to be enslaved does not diminish the inherent right of future generations to freedom.

Share

More from Thomas Paine

Jan 1, 1791

As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

I have carefully avoided to enlarge upon the subject, because I am inclined to believe that what is called the present ministry, wish to see contentions about religion kept up, to prevent the nation turning its attention to subjects of…

gutenberg.org
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.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

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.

gutenberg.org