On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
Public measures appeal of themselves to the understanding of the Nation, and, resting on their own merits, disown any flattering applications to vanity.
Said by
Thomas Paine
Source
gutenberg.orgPublic measures appeal of themselves to the understanding of the Nation, and, resting on their own merits, disown any flattering applications to vanity.
From his work "Rights of Man," Paine describes how public policy in a true republic should be judged on its merits rather than through manipulation.
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Why may we not suppose, that the great Father of all is pleased with variety of devotion; and that the greatest offence we can act, is that by which we seek to torment and render each other miserable?
I do not believe that any two men, on what are called doctrinal points, think alike who think at all.
Discussion and the general will arbitrates the question, and to this, private opinion yields with a good grace, and order is preserved uninterrupted.