Present day Quote by Thomas Paine
““The error of those who reason by precedents drawn from antiquity, respecting the rights of man, is that they do not go far enough into antiquity. They do not go the whole way. They stop in some of the intermediate stages of an hundred or a thousand years, and produce what was then done, as a rule for the present day. This is no authority at all. If we travel still farther into antiquity, we shall find a direct contrary opinion and practice prevailing; and if antiquity is to be authority, a thousand such authorities may be produced, successively contradicting each other; but if we proceed on, we shall at last come out right; we shall come to the time when man came from the hand of his Maker. What was he then? Man. Man was his high and only title, and a higher cannot be given him.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Thoughts on the Constitution, 1795
Relying on ancient precedents limits understanding; deeper historical study reveals varied views, leading to clearer truth.
In simple terms: Old rules can mislead; deeper history shows truth.
Key Takeaway
Seek broader historical context before forming judgments.
Themes
history
critical thinking
authority
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- educational curricula
- public discourse
- legal reform
Key Concepts
philosophy
legal theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern evidence challenges ancient authority?
- How can we balance tradition with progress?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on antiquity may ignore modern relevance.
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