On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
When this is lost, government is but a child in power; and though, like the old government in France, it may harass individuals for a while, it but facilitates its own fall.
Said by
Thomas Paine
Source
gutenberg.orgThomas Paine: “When this is lost, government is but a child in power; and though, like the old government in France, it may harass…”
Editor's note · Context
Paine warns that without the attachment of the people, a government becomes weak and ultimately contributes to its own downfall, even if it can temporarily oppress.
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