From both those instances it is evident, that the greatest forces that can be brought into the field of revolutions, are reason and common interest.
Thomas Paine: “From both those instances it is evident, that the greatest forces that can be brought into the field of revolutions, are…”
Editor's note · Context
Reflecting on the American and French Revolutions, Paine identifies reason and common interest as the most potent forces for societal change.
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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…
If, therefore, the good to be obtained be worthy of a passive, rational, and costless revolution, it would be bad policy to prefer waiting for a calamity that should force a violent one.
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.