Either, therefore, the people of former times were more watchful over government than those of the present, or government was administered with less extravagance.
Thomas Paine: “Either, therefore, the people of former times were more watchful over government than those of the present, or…”
Editor's note · Context
Paine speculates that either past generations were more vigilant against government overreach or governments were managed with greater fiscal prudence.
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In those which proceed from the former cause, the temper becomes incensed and soured; and the redress, obtained by danger, is too often sullied by revenge.
I have carefully avoided to enlarge upon the subject, because I am inclined to believe that what is called the present ministry, wish to see contentions about religion kept up, to prevent the nation turning its attention to subjects of…
Discussion and the general will arbitrates the question, and to this, private opinion yields with a good grace, and order is preserved uninterrupted.
When men unite in agreeing that a thing is good, could it be obtained, such for instance as relief from a burden of taxes and the extinction of corruption, the object is more than half accomplished.