Expected Quote by Thomas Paine
“From such beginnings of governments, what could be expected, but a continual system of war and extortion?”
About This Quote
Source Book: Common Sense, 1776
Governments inherently tend toward conflict and exploitation unless checked by the people.
In simple terms: Governments often lead to war and oppression.
Key Takeaway
Demand accountability from leaders.
Themes
politics
power
conflict
corruption
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- voting
- activism
- community organizing
- public debate
Key Concepts
social contract
state authority
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens prevent governmental abuse?
- What safeguards reduce systemic war?
A Different Perspective
Power can be resisted through collective action, but not always effectively.
![“He [Donald Trump] is like - he's a magnet for crime and extortion and, you know, just really criminal investments which are extremely dangerous.” quote by Jill Stein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9e7/jill-stein-660_crime_he-donald-trump-is-like-he-s-a-magnet-fo_60727.jpg)
![“Well the thing is that under the [Ronald] Reagan administration, excesses have occurred in terms of over regulating certain types of behavior, and excesses have occurred in the opposite direction, in de-regulating other types of behavior. As a matter of fact, if they continue to regulate the…” quote by Frank Zappa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0b2/frank-zappa-702_administration_well-the-thing-is-that-under-the-ronald_672679.jpg)
