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.
From "Rights of Man," Paine argues for pursuing rational, peaceful reforms to achieve good rather than waiting for a crisis that necessitates violent revolution.
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It was become evident, that no constitution, worthy of being called by that name, could be established on anything less than a national ground.
The more it is struck the more sparks it will emit; and the fear is it will not be struck enough.
The man who is in the receipt of a million a year is the last person to promote a spirit of reform, lest, in the event, it should reach to himself.