Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: Could our affections forgive, or humanity forget the wounds of an injured country--we might, under the influence of a…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1776
Could our affections forgive, or humanity forget the wounds of an injured country--we might, under the influence of a momentary oblivion, stand still and laugh.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

Paine uses a rhetorical question to emphasize the profound and unforgivable nature of the injuries inflicted upon the country.

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