Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: Burke's horrid paintings, when the French Revolution is compared with the Revolutions of other countries, the…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
Burke's horrid paintings, when the French Revolution is compared with the Revolutions of other countries, the astonishment will be that it is marked with so few sacrifices; but this astonishment will cease when we reflect that principles, and not persons, were the meditated objects of destruction.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

In "Rights of Man," Paine defends the French Revolution, arguing that its relative lack of bloodshed compared to other revolutions stems from its focus on destroying principles, not individuals.

Share

More from Thomas Paine

Jan 1, 1791

The animosity of the English nation, it is very well remembered, ran high; and, had the true principles of Liberty been as well understood then as they now promise to be, it is probable the Nation would not have patiently submitted to so…

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

The object is not so much the produce of the tax as the justice of the measure.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

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

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

Nothing can be more terrible to a Court or Courtier than the Revolution of France.

gutenberg.org