It is always the interest of a far greater number of people in a nation to have things right, than to let them remain wrong; and when public matters are open to debate, and the public judgment free, it will not decide wrong, unless it decides too hastily.
He asserts that the public's collective interest lies in rectifying wrongs, and that free and open debate generally leads to sound public judgment, provided decisions are not rushed.
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More from Thomas Paine
Why may we not suppose, that the great Father of all is pleased with variety of devotion; and that the greatest offence we can act, is that by which we seek to torment and render each other miserable?
Discussion and the general will arbitrates the question, and to this, private opinion yields with a good grace, and order is preserved uninterrupted.
I do not believe that any two men, on what are called doctrinal points, think alike who think at all.