It is a phoenix that can expire but once, and from whose ashes there is no resurrection.
Thomas Paine: “It is a phoenix that can expire but once, and from whose ashes there is no resurrection.”
Editor's note · Context
Paine uses a metaphor in "The American Crisis" to describe the irreversible destruction of trust and character once a nation commits certain offenses.
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As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.
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.
I have carefully avoided to enlarge upon the subject, because I am inclined to believe that what is called the present ministry, wish to see contentions about religion kept up, to prevent the nation turning its attention to subjects of …
Discussion and the general will arbitrates the question, and to this, private opinion yields with a good grace, and order is preserved uninterrupted.