Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: “The case now is not so properly who began the war, as who continues it.”

On the recordJanuary 1, 1776
The case now is not so properly who began the war, as who continues it.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

Paine argues that the crucial question in the ongoing conflict is not who initiated it, but who persists in prolonging it.

Share

More from Thomas Paine

Jan 1, 1791

It is only those who have not thought that appear to agree.

gutenberg.org
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.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

But as religion is very improperly made a political machine, and the reality of it is thereby destroyed, I will conclude this work with stating in what light religion appears to me.

gutenberg.org
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…

gutenberg.org