Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: If this be not divine authority, it is at least historical authority, and shows that the equality of man, so far from…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
If this be not divine authority, it is at least historical authority, and shows that the equality of man, so far from being a modern doctrine, is the oldest upon record.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

In "Rights of Man," Paine argues that the concept of human equality is not a new idea but has ancient historical roots.

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