--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: From such beginnings of governments, what…" description: "\"From such beginnings of governments, what could be expected, but a continual system of war and extortion?\" — Thomas Paine" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f39/thomas-paine-267_expected_from-such-beginnings-of-governments-what_1709131.jpg" --- # From such beginnings of governments, what could be… ![“From such beginnings of governments, what could be expected, but a continual system of war and extortion?” quote by Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f39/thomas-paine-267_expected_from-such-beginnings-of-governments-what_1709131.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f39/thomas-paine-267_expected_from-such-beginnings-of-governments-what_1709131.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f39/thomas-paine-267_expected_from-such-beginnings-of-governments-what_1709131.jpg) > “From such beginnings of governments, what could be expected, but a continual system of war and extortion?” [Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-paine/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Beginnings Governments](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/beginnings-governments-1227893/) [Continual War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/continual-war-1227892/) [Expected](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/expected/) [Extortion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/extortion/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Governments Expected](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/governments-expected-1227894/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/) [War Extortion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war-extortion-1227891/) ## Related quotes > [ He \[Donald Trump\] is like - he's a magnet for crime and extortion and, you know, just really criminal investments which are extremely dangerous. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jill-stein/he-donald-trump-is-like-he-s-a-magnet-for-crime-and-extortion-and-you/) [Jill Stein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jill-stein/) > [“They want us to be afraid. 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