Philosophy Quote by Thomas Paine
““But everything we see or hear offensive to our feelings and derogatory to the human character should lead to other reflections than those of reproach. Even the beings who commit them have some claim to our consideration. How then is it that such vast classes of mankind as are distinguished by the appellation of the vulgar, or the ignorant mob, are so numerous in all old countries? The instant we ask ourselves this question, reflection feels an answer. They rise, as an unavoidable consequence, out of the ill construction of all old governments in Europe, England included with the rest. It is by distortedly exalting some men, that others are distortedly debased, till the whole is out of nature. A vast mass of mankind are degradedly thrown into the background of the human picture, to bring forward, with greater glare, the puppet-show of state and aristocracy. In the commencement of a revolution, those men are rather the followers of the camp than of the standard of liberty, and have yet to be instructed how to reverence it.””
About This Quote
Source Treat: Common Sense, 1776
The passage argues that societal contempt and class divisions arise from corrupt governments that elevate some while degrading others, leading to a populace that is marginalized and unprepared for true liberty.
In simple terms: Corrupt systems create class contempt and marginalize many.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge systemic inequality.
Themes
politics
class
revolution
justice
human dignity
Mood
critical
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political reform
- education
- grassroots activism
- media critique
- community building
Key Concepts
social hierarchy
power dynamics
revolutionary theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we rebuild respect for all citizens?
- What steps can prevent elite manipulation?
A Different Perspective
The analysis may overlook individual agency and cultural variations.
![“I never knew any man who had once tasted the sweetness of experimental knowledge, that ever afterward fasted after ye Vapour garlick and onions of phantasmatical seeming philosophy." [William Petty]” quote by Carl Zimmer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e5a/carl-zimmer-16331_knowledge_i-never-knew-any-man-who-had-once-tasted_1770.jpg)
