Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: When the governing passion of any man, or set of men, is once known, the method of managing them is easy; for even…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1776
When the governing passion of any man, or set of men, is once known, the method of managing them is easy; for even misers, whom no public virtue can impress, would become generous, could a heavy tax be laid upon covetousness.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

In "The American Crisis," this passage discusses the ease of managing people once their dominant motivations are understood, even suggesting how to make misers generous.

Share

More from Thomas Paine

Jan 1, 1791

An hereditary governor is as inconsistent as an hereditary author.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

When it becomes necessary to do anything, the whole heart and soul should go into the measure, or not attempt it.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

It was Government dethroning Government; and the old one, by attempting to make a new one, made a chasm.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

The argument changes from hereditary rights to hereditary wisdom; and the question is, Who is the wisest man?

gutenberg.org