America has surmounted a greater variety and combination of difficulties, than, I believe, ever fell to the share of any one people, in the same space of time, and has replenished the world with more useful knowledge and sounder maxims of civil government than were ever produced in any age before.
Paine celebrates America's unique achievements in overcoming challenges and contributing to civil government and knowledge.
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The argument changes from hereditary rights to hereditary wisdom; and the question is, Who is the wisest man?
The aristocracy has screened itself too much, and this serves to restore a part of the lost equilibrium.
The Aristocracy had hitherto opposed the despotism of the Court, and affected the language of patriotism; but it opposed it as its rival (as the English Barons opposed King John) and it now opposed the nation from the same motives.
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.