Country Quote by Thomas Paine
“The guilt of a government is the crime of a whole country.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Common Sense, 1776
Collective responsibility means a nation's wrongdoing reflects on its entire populace.
In simple terms: A country's guilt spreads to all its people.
Key Takeaway
Recognize shared accountability.
Themes
responsibility
politics
ethics
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- public opinion
- international relations
Key Concepts
collective guilt
national identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal integrity affect national morality?
- Can a nation redeem itself after wrongdoing?
A Different Perspective
Guilt can be diffused by individual actions.
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