Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: Because a body of men, holding themselves accountable to nobody, ought not to be trusted by anybody.

On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
Because a body of men, holding themselves accountable to nobody, ought not to be trusted by anybody.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

In his argument against aristocracy, Paine states a fundamental principle that those who are not accountable to the people should not be given public trust.

Share

More from Thomas Paine

Jan 1, 1791

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…

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

In fine, society performs for itself almost everything which is ascribed to government.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

The thing, in many points, contained better principles than those upon which the Government had hitherto been administered; but with respect to the Cour Pleniere, it was no other than a medium through which despotism was to pass, without…

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

Why is it that scarcely any are executed but the poor?

gutenberg.org