Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: Because aristocracy has a tendency to deteriorate the human species.

On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
Because aristocracy has a tendency to deteriorate the human species.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

In his critique of hereditary systems, Paine asserts that aristocracy inherently leads to the degradation of humanity.

Share

More from Thomas Paine

Jan 1, 1791

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.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

He must now show that every one in the line of hereditary succession was a Solomon, or his title is not good to be a king.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

But the spirit of the nation was not to be overcome, and it was so fully sensible of the strong ground it had taken--that of withholding taxes--that it contented itself with keeping up a sort of quiet resistance, which effectually…

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

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

gutenberg.org