Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: “It is impossible to practise a bad form on anything but a bad principle.”

On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
It is impossible to practise a bad form on anything but a bad principle.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

In "Rights of Man," Paine argues that flawed governmental structures can only arise from and be sustained by flawed foundational principles.

Share

More from Thomas Paine

Jan 1, 1791

But as religion is very improperly made a political machine, and the reality of it is thereby destroyed, I will conclude this work with stating in what light religion appears to me.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

I have no idea, considering the reforms which are now passing and spreading throughout Europe, that England will permit herself to be the last; and where the occasion and the opportunity quietly offer, it is better than to wait for a…

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

It is only those who have not thought that appear to agree.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

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?

gutenberg.org