Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: It affords to them pretences for power, and revenue, for which there would be neither occasion nor apology, if the…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
It affords to them pretences for power, and revenue, for which there would be neither occasion nor apology, if the circle of civilisation were rendered complete.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

Paine argues that uncivilized international relations provide governments with pretexts for power and revenue that would otherwise be unnecessary.

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