On the recordJanuary 1, 1776
On our part, in order to know, at any time, what the British government will do, we have only to find out what they ought not to do, and this last will be their conduct.
Said by
Thomas Paine
Source
gutenberg.orgThomas Paine: “On our part, in order to know, at any time, what the British government will do, we have only to find out what they…”
Editor's note · Context
Paine offers a cynical rule for predicting the actions of the British government, suggesting they consistently act contrary to what is right.
Share
More from Thomas Paine
Jan 1, 1791
It has nothing to dread from attacks; truth has given it an establishment, and time will record it with a name as lasting as his own.
Jan 1, 1791
But from such opposition the French Revolution, instead of suffering, receives an homage.
Jan 1, 1791
Whether robbery shall be banished from courts, and wretchedness from countries?
Jan 1, 1791
Burke's Book is easily accounted for.--When a man in a wrong cause attempts to steer his course by anything else than some polar truth or principle, he is sure to be lost.