Success and power are the only situations in which clemency can be shown, and those who are cruel, because they are victorious, can with the same facility act any other degenerate character.
Paine reflects on the nature of power, asserting that true clemency is only possible from a position of strength, and cruelty reveals a degenerate character.
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A knowledge of the practice was then joined to the theory; and all that was wanting to give it real existence was opportunity.
I know the value of moral instruction, and I have seen the danger of the contrary.
In fine, society performs for itself almost everything which is ascribed to government.
He writes neither in the character of a Frenchman nor an Englishman, but in the fawning character of that creature known in all countries, and a friend to none--a courtier.