Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: “What opinion can we possibly form of you, but that you are a lost, abandoned, profligate nation, who sport even with…”

On the recordJanuary 1, 1776
What opinion can we possibly form of you, but that you are a lost, abandoned, profligate nation, who sport even with your own character, and are to be held by nothing but the bayonet or the halter?
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

Paine expresses extreme contempt for Great Britain, viewing it as a morally bankrupt nation that only responds to force.

Share

More from Thomas Paine

Jan 1, 1791

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…

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

In those which proceed from the former cause, the temper becomes incensed and soured; and the redress, obtained by danger, is too often sullied by revenge.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

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

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