America Quote by Thomas Paine
““What are the present governments of Europe, but a scene of iniquity and oppression? What is that of England? Do not its own inhabitants say, It is a market where every man has his price, and where corruption is common traffic, at the expense of a deluded people? No wonder, then, that the French Revolution is traduced.””
About This Quote
Source Pamphlet: Rights of Man, 1791
He condemns European governments as corrupt markets where people are bought, suggesting the French Revolution is misrepresented.
In simple terms: Governments are corrupt markets; French Revolution mischaracterized.
Question and challenge political narratives.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- historical critique
- media literacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports this view?
- How do modern governments compare?
Historical context may differ.