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We know the cause which we are engaged in, and though a…

“We know the cause which we are engaged in, and though a passionate fondness for it may make us grieve at every injury which threatens it, yet, when the moment of concern is over, the determination to duty returns. We are not moved by the gloomy smile of a worthless king, but by the ardent glow of…” quote by Thomas Paine
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““We know the cause which we are engaged in, and though a passionate fondness for it may make us grieve at every injury which threatens it, yet, when the moment of concern is over, the determination to duty returns. We are not moved by the gloomy smile of a worthless king, but by the ardent glow of generous patriotism. We fight not to enslave, but to set a country free, and to make room upon the earth for honest men to live in. In such a case we are sure that we are right; and we leave to you the despairing reflection of being the tool of a miserable tyrant.””

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.

Patriotic duty persists beyond grief; true legitimacy comes from collective patriotism, not tyrannical rule, aiming for freedom and honest living.

In simple terms: Patriotism drives duty, not fear.

Key Takeaway

Uphold justice and freedom.

Themes

patriotism duty freedom

Mood

inspirational political

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • revolution
  • nation building
  • civil rights
  • moral activism

Key Concepts

Republicanism ethical responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines a just cause?
  • How can patriotism avoid blind nationalism?
A Different Perspective

May overlook complexities of governance.

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