Thomas Paine: “I consider you in this declaration, like madmen biting in the hour of death.”

In fine, society performs for itself almost everything which is ascribed to government.

To possess ourselves of a clear idea of what government is, or ought to be, we must trace it to its origin.

The Aristocracy had hitherto opposed the despotism of the Court, and affected the language of patriotism; but it opposed it as its rival (as the English Barons opposed King John) and it now opposed the nation from the same motives.

They form a common policy throughout Europe, detached and separate from the interest of Nations: and while they appear to quarrel, they agree to plunder.