They are thrown to the cannibal for prey, and the natural parent prepares the unnatural repast.
Thomas Paine: “They are thrown to the cannibal for prey, and the natural parent prepares the unnatural repast.”
Editor's note · Context
Paine uses a powerful metaphor to describe how primogeniture forces parents to effectively sacrifice their younger children to societal neglect.
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More from Thomas Paine
I do not believe that any two men, on what are called doctrinal points, think alike who think at all.
As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.
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.
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?