On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
The obscurity in which the origin of all the present old governments is buried, implies the iniquity and disgrace with which they began.
Said by
Thomas Paine
Source
gutenberg.orgThe obscurity in which the origin of all the present old governments is buried, implies the iniquity and disgrace with which they began.
In "Rights of Man," Paine suggests that the lack of clear historical records for old governments indicates their disreputable and unjust foundations.
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To possess ourselves of a clear idea of what government is, or ought to be, we must trace it to its origin.
When it becomes necessary to do anything, the whole heart and soul should go into the measure, or not attempt it.
Whether robbery shall be banished from courts, and wretchedness from countries?
A knowledge of the practice was then joined to the theory; and all that was wanting to give it real existence was opportunity.