The inhabitants of Britain could carry on no foreign trade, nor stir from the spot they dwelt upon, without the assistance of shipping; but this was not the case with France.
Thomas Paine: “The inhabitants of Britain could carry on no foreign trade, nor stir from the spot they dwelt upon, without the…”
Editor's note · Context
He points out that Britain's reliance on shipping for trade contrasts with France's situation.
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 do not believe that any two men, on what are called doctrinal points, think alike who think at all.
If, therefore, the good to be obtained be worthy of a passive, rational, and costless revolution, it would be bad policy to prefer waiting for a calamity that should force a violent one.
When men unite in agreeing that a thing is good, could it be obtained, such for instance as relief from a burden of taxes and the extinction of corruption, the object is more than half accomplished.