Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: What signifies it to me, whether he who does it is a king or a common man; my countryman or not my countryman; whether…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1776
What signifies it to me, whether he who does it is a king or a common man; my countryman or not my countryman; whether it be done by an individual villain, or an army of them?
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

Paine argues that the moral character of an action, particularly an oppressive one, should be judged independently of the perpetrator's status or origin.

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