Thomas Paine on Government

[Enjoy these excerpts from the man of whom John Adams said "Without the pen of Paine the sword of Washington would have been wielded in vain."]

Thomas Paine regarding the Nature of Government:

Government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one.

When men think of Government, they must necessarily suppose it to possess a knowledge of all the objects and matters upon which its authority is to be exercised.

Laws difficult to be executed cannot be generally good.

Everything which Government can usefully add thereto, has been performed by the common consent of society, without Government.

If we look back to the riots and tumults which at various times have happened in England, we shall find that they did not proceed from the want of a Government, but that Government was itself the generating cause.

Every man wishes to pursue his occupation, and to enjoy the fruits of his labours and the produce of his property in peace and safety, and with the least possible expense. When these things are accomplished, all objectives for which Government ought to be established are answered.