Mankind, as it appears to me, are always ripe enough to understand their true interest, provided it be presented clearly to their understanding, and that in a manner not to create suspicion by anything like self-design, nor offend by assuming too much.
Paine asserts his conviction that people are inherently capable of discerning their own best interests if ideas are communicated transparently and without ulterior motives.
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He writes neither in the character of a Frenchman nor an Englishman, but in the fawning character of that creature known in all countries, and a friend to none--a courtier.
Whether robbery shall be banished from courts, and wretchedness from countries?