Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: Measures which at other times it would censure it now approves, and acts persuasion upon itself to suffocate its…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
Measures which at other times it would censure it now approves, and acts persuasion upon itself to suffocate its judgment.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

In "Rights of Man," Paine describes how a nation, once committed to a course, can persuade itself to approve actions it would normally condemn.

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