On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
Though the parts may embarrass each other, the whole has no bounds; and the only right it acknowledges out of itself, is the right of petitioning.
Said by
Thomas Paine
Source
gutenberg.orgThomas Paine: “Though the parts may embarrass each other, the whole has no bounds; and the only right it acknowledges out of itself, is…”
Editor's note · Context
In "Rights of Man," Paine argues that a government, despite internal conflicts, can possess unlimited power and grant only the right of petition to the people.
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Jan 1, 1791
As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.
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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.
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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.
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I do not believe that any two men, on what are called doctrinal points, think alike who think at all.