Some writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but have different origins. Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness POSITIVELY by uniting our affections, the latter NEGATIVELY by restraining our vices. The one encourages intercourse, the other creates distinctions. The first a patron, the last a punisher.


Opening lines. - Common Sense (1776)

Thomas Paine Quotes

Some writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but...

Some writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but...

Some writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but...

Some writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but...