It is well worth remarking that Russia, who but a few years ago was scarcely known in Europe, owes a large share of her present greatness to the close attention she has paid, and the wise encouragement she has given to science and learning, and we have almost the same instance in France, in the reign of Lewis XIV.
Paine observes that Russia's rise in prominence is linked to its investment in science and learning, drawing a parallel with France's history.
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