Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: If they are made war upon, their country invaded, or their existence at stake, it is their duty to defend and preserve…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1776
If they are made war upon, their country invaded, or their existence at stake, it is their duty to defend and preserve themselves, but in every other light, and from every other cause, is war inglorious and detestable.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

In "The American Crisis," Paine distinguishes between defensive war and other forms of conflict, which he condemns.

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