On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
What at first was plunder, assumed the softer name of revenue; and the power originally usurped, they affected to inherit.
Said by
Thomas Paine
Source
gutenberg.orgThomas Paine: “What at first was plunder, assumed the softer name of revenue; and the power originally usurped, they affected to…”
Editor's note · Context
In "Rights of Man," Paine critiques how illegitimate gains and usurped power were later disguised with more respectable terms like "revenue" and "inheritance."
Share
More from Thomas Paine
Jan 1, 1791
Discussion and the general will arbitrates the question, and to this, private opinion yields with a good grace, and order is preserved uninterrupted.
Jan 1, 1791
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.
Jan 1, 1791
I have carefully avoided to enlarge upon the subject, because I am inclined to believe that what is called the present ministry, wish to see contentions about religion kept up, to prevent the nation turning its attention to subjects of…