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If there is a country in the world where concord…

“If there is a country in the world where concord, according to common calculation, would be least expected, it is America. Made up as it is of people from different nations, accustomed to different forms and habits of government, speaking different languages, and more different in their modes of…” quote by Thomas Paine
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““If there is a country in the world where concord, according to common calculation, would be least expected, it is America. Made up as it is of people from different nations, accustomed to different forms and habits of government, speaking different languages, and more different in their modes of worship, it would appear that the union of such a people was impracticable; but by the simple operation of constructing government on the principles of society and the rights of man, every difficulty retires, and all the parts are brought into cordial unison. There the poor are not oppressed, the rich are not privileged. Industry is not mortified by the splendid extravagance of a court rioting at its expense. Their taxes are few, because their government is just: and as there is nothing to render them wretched, there is nothing to engender riots and tumults.””

Thomas Paine

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

America’s diversity seems chaotic, yet a government based on rights unites people, preventing oppression and unrest.

In simple terms: Diverse societies can thrive under fair governance.

Key Takeaway

Support equal rights for unity.

Themes

democracy diversity rights

Mood

hopeful determined

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • nation building
  • civil rights movements
  • policy making
  • education

Key Concepts

political theory social contract equality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can diverse groups find common ground?
  • What safeguards prevent oppression?
A Different Perspective

Implementing rights is complex; power structures resist change.

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