Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: If any two nations are so, then must all nations be so, otherwise it is not nature but custom, and the offence…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1776
If any two nations are so, then must all nations be so, otherwise it is not nature but custom, and the offence frequently originates with the accuser.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

Paine argues that if "natural enmity" exists between any two nations, it must exist for all, otherwise it is merely custom, often initiated by the accuser.

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