Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: But their peculiar advantage is, that they are the touchstones of sincerity and hypocrisy, and bring things and men to…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1776
But their peculiar advantage is, that they are the touchstones of sincerity and hypocrisy, and bring things and men to light, which might otherwise have lain forever undiscovered.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

This passage describes how moments of widespread fear and uncertainty reveal the true character of individuals.

Share

More from Thomas Paine

Jan 1, 1791

He must now show that every one in the line of hereditary succession was a Solomon, or his title is not good to be a king.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

Burke's Book is easily accounted for.--When a man in a wrong cause attempts to steer his course by anything else than some polar truth or principle, he is sure to be lost.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

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.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

An hereditary governor is as inconsistent as an hereditary author.

gutenberg.org