Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: You were known and dreaded abroad; and it would have been wise in you to have suffered the world to have slept…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1776
You were known and dreaded abroad; and it would have been wise in you to have suffered the world to have slept undisturbed under that idea.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

From his first "American Crisis" paper, Paine criticizes Britain's foreign policy, arguing it should have maintained its reputation without provoking America.

Share

More from Thomas Paine

Jan 1, 1791

To possess ourselves of a clear idea of what government is, or ought to be, we must trace it to its origin.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

Because aristocracy has a tendency to deteriorate the human species.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

Many of the facts were in themselves principles; such as the declaration of American Independence, and the treaty of alliance between France and America, which recognised the natural rights of man, and justified resistance to oppression.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

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.

gutenberg.org