Character Quote by Thomas Paine
“Politics and self-interest have been so uniformly connected, that the world, from being so often deceived, has a right to be suspicious of public characters.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Common Sense, 1776
Political self‑interest intertwines with public life, leading to justified suspicion of leaders who may exploit that connection.
In simple terms: Self‑interest makes politics untrustworthy.
Key Takeaway
Question motives of public figures.
Themes
politics
trust
ethics
power
self‑interest
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- elections
- policy debates
- media analysis
- activism
Key Concepts
political theory
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence justifies suspicion?
- How can transparency rebuild trust?
A Different Perspective
Skepticism can erode civic engagement.
