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Literary
July 14, 1792
National Gazette
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
Extract from Thomas Paine's 'Rights of Man' critiquing monarchical government as irrational rule by kings for their pleasure, likening it to animal herding. It urges pride against imposition and notes how bold words can awaken rational feelings in individuals and nations.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
EXTRACT.
It is time that nations should be rational, and not be governed like animals, for the pleasure of their riders. To read the history of kings, a man would be almost inclined to suppose that government consisted in tag-hunting, and that every nation paid a million a year to a huntsman.—Man ought to have pride, or shame enough to blush at being thus imposed upon, and when he feels his proper character, he will. Upon all subjects of this nature, there is often passing in the mind, a train of ideas he has not yet accustomed himself to encourage and communicate. Restrained by something that puts on the character of prudence, he acts the hypocrite upon himself as well as to others. It is, however, curious to observe how soon this spell can be dissolved. A single expression, boldly conceived and uttered, will sometimes put a whole company into their proper feelings—and whole nations are acted upon in the same manner.
[Paine's Rights of Man.]
It is time that nations should be rational, and not be governed like animals, for the pleasure of their riders. To read the history of kings, a man would be almost inclined to suppose that government consisted in tag-hunting, and that every nation paid a million a year to a huntsman.—Man ought to have pride, or shame enough to blush at being thus imposed upon, and when he feels his proper character, he will. Upon all subjects of this nature, there is often passing in the mind, a train of ideas he has not yet accustomed himself to encourage and communicate. Restrained by something that puts on the character of prudence, he acts the hypocrite upon himself as well as to others. It is, however, curious to observe how soon this spell can be dissolved. A single expression, boldly conceived and uttered, will sometimes put a whole company into their proper feelings—and whole nations are acted upon in the same manner.
[Paine's Rights of Man.]
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Political
Liberty Freedom
Taxation Oppression
What keywords are associated?
Rights Of Man
Thomas Paine
Political Liberty
Kings Critique
Rational Governance
Monarchy Tyranny
What entities or persons were involved?
Paine
Literary Details
Author
Paine
Subject
Critique Of Monarchical Government
Key Lines
It Is Time That Nations Should Be Rational, And Not Be Governed Like Animals, For The Pleasure Of Their Riders.
To Read The History Of Kings, A Man Would Be Almost Inclined To Suppose That Government Consisted In Tag Hunting, And That Every Nation Paid A Million A Year To A Huntsman.
A Single Expression, Boldly Conceived And Uttered, Will Sometimes Put A Whole Company Into Their Proper Feelings—And Whole Nations Are Acted Upon In The Same Manner.