Such situations are derogatory to the character of man; and where they can be submitted to, honour cannot reside.
Thomas Paine: “Such situations are derogatory to the character of man; and where they can be submitted to, honour cannot reside.”
Editor's note · Context
In "Rights of Man," Paine asserts that positions involving subservience or corruption degrade human character and preclude honor.
Share
More from Thomas Paine
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?
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…
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…
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.