Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: Nations can have no secrets; and the secrets of courts, like those of individuals, are always their defects.

On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
Nations can have no secrets; and the secrets of courts, like those of individuals, are always their defects.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

Paine argues that nations should operate without secrets, viewing the hidden practices of courts as inherent flaws, much like individual shortcomings.

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