The animosity of the English nation, it is very well remembered, ran high; and, had the true principles of Liberty been as well understood then as they now promise to be, it is probable the Nation would not have patiently submitted to so much.
In "Rights of Man," Paine reflects on past public discontent in England, suggesting that a better understanding of liberty would have led to less submission to authority.
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In fine, society performs for itself almost everything which is ascribed to government.
The Aristocracy had hitherto opposed the despotism of the Court, and affected the language of patriotism; but it opposed it as its rival (as the English Barons opposed King John) and it now opposed the nation from the same motives.
When it becomes necessary to do anything, the whole heart and soul should go into the measure, or not attempt it.
To possess ourselves of a clear idea of what government is, or ought to be, we must trace it to its origin.