A good opinion of ourselves is exceedingly necessary in private life, but absolutely necessary in public life, and of the utmost importance in supporting national character.
Thomas Paine: “A good opinion of ourselves is exceedingly necessary in private life, but absolutely necessary in public life, and of…”
Editor's note · Context
In "The American Crisis," Paine emphasizes the vital role of self-confidence, both individually and nationally, for maintaining public integrity and character.
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In fine, society performs for itself almost everything which is ascribed to government.
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…
The meaning, then, good people, of all this, is: That government is governed by no principle whatever; that it can make evil good, or good evil, just as it pleases.
They form a common policy throughout Europe, detached and separate from the interest of Nations: and while they appear to quarrel, they agree to plunder.