It operates to preclude the consent of the succeeding generations; and the preclusion of consent is despotism.
Thomas Paine: “It operates to preclude the consent of the succeeding generations; and the preclusion of consent is despotism.”
Editor's note · Context
In "Rights of Man," Paine argues that any system precluding the consent of succeeding generations inherently constitutes despotism.
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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?
If, therefore, the good to be obtained be worthy of a passive, rational, and costless revolution, it would be bad policy to prefer waiting for a calamity that should force a violent one.
As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.