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The guilt of a government is the crime of a whole country.

“The guilt of a government is the crime of a whole country.” quote by Thomas Paine
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“The guilt of a government is the crime of a whole country.”

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.

Collective responsibility means a nation's wrongdoing reflects on its entire populace.

In simple terms: A country's guilt spreads to all its people.

Key Takeaway

Recognize shared accountability.

Themes

responsibility politics ethics

Mood

reflective serious

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • government policy
  • public opinion
  • international relations

Key Concepts

collective guilt national identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does personal integrity affect national morality?
  • Can a nation redeem itself after wrongdoing?
A Different Perspective

Guilt can be diffused by individual actions.

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