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Quote by Thomas Paine

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Rights of Man

Written by Thomas Paine, this influential work delves into the concepts of natural rights, social contracts, and the role of government, offering a critique of the British monarchy and a call for democratic reforms. more

Author

Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine, born on February 9, 1737, and died on June 8, 1809, was a prominent American writer, political figure, and philosopher during the American Revolutionary War. He is renowned for his radical democratic ideas and his contributions to the American independence movement. more

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“As my object was not myself, I set out with the determination, and happily with the disposition, of not being moved by praise or censure, friendship or calumny, nor of being drawn from my purpose by any personal altercation; and the man who cannot do this, is not fit for a public character.”

MenCharacterPoliticalPurposePoliticsObjectsHe ManFitDeterminationPraiseMovedDispositionCensureCalumny
Book:THE RIGHTS OF MAN: The French Revolution – Ideals, Arguments & Motives (Political Classic): Being an Answer to Mr. Burke's Attack on the French Revolution
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“It is unnatural that a pure stream should flow from a foul fountain its vices are but a continuation of the vices of its origin. A man of moral honor and good political principles, cannot submit to the mean drudgery and disgraceful arts, by which such elections are carried. To be a successful candidate, he must be destitute of the qualities that constitute a just legislator: and being thus disciplined to corruption it is not to be expected that the representative should be better than the man.”

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Author:Thomas Paine
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“Change of ministers amounts to nothing. One goes out, another comes in, and still the same measures, vices, and extravagances are pursued. It signifies not who is minister. The defect lies in the system. The foundation and superstructure of the government is bad. Prop it as you please, it continually sinks and ever will.”

StillsGovernmentPoliticalLyingPoliticsAmountPleaseFoundationVicesMinistersDefectsPursuedPropsExtravagance
Book:Selected Writings of Thomas Paine
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“Every individual who participated in the redistricting process knew that incumbency protection was a critical factor in producing the bizarre lines. ... Many of the oddest twists and turns of the Texas districts would never have been created if the Legislature had not been so intent on protecting party and incumbents.”

IfsHas BeensPoliticalTurnsPoliticsIndividualProcessLinesPartyCriticalProtectionFactorsTexasBizarreTwistsLegislatureIncumbentsTwists And TurnsRedistrictingIncumbency
Author:John Paul Stevens
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