Skip to content

We repose an unwise confidence in any government, or in…

“We repose an unwise confidence in any government, or in any men, when we invest them officially with too much, or an unnecessary quantity of, discretionary power.” quote by Thomas Paine
Download Open image
“We repose an unwise confidence in any government, or in any men, when we invest them officially with too much, or an unnecessary quantity of, discretionary power.”

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.

Excessive trust in government grants it too much discretionary power, leading to unwise confidence.

In simple terms: Too much faith in government gives it excess power.

Key Takeaway

Limit authority, demand accountability.

Themes

government power trust politics

Mood

cautious critical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • public policy
  • civic engagement
  • legislative reform
  • activism

Key Concepts

social contract theory checks and balances

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can citizens balance trust and oversight?
  • What mechanisms curb governmental overreach?
A Different Perspective

Power can be necessary for order.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Thomas Paine

Explore all 772 Thomas Paine quotes

More Confidence quotes

Browse all 11,290 Confidence quotes