--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Nothing can appear more contradictory…" description: "\"“Nothing can appear more contradictory than the principles on which the old governments began, and the condition to which society, civilisation and com..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a57/thomas-paine-267_business_nothing-can-appear-more-contradictory-th_2267605.png" --- # Nothing can appear more contradictory than the principles… ![“Nothing can appear more contradictory than the principles on which the old governments began, and the condition to which society, civilisation and commerce are capable of carrying mankind. Government, one the old system, is an assumption of power, for the aggrandisement of itself; on the new, a…” quote by Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a57/thomas-paine-267_business_nothing-can-appear-more-contradictory-th_2267605.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a57/thomas-paine-267_business_nothing-can-appear-more-contradictory-th_2267605.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a57/thomas-paine-267_business_nothing-can-appear-more-contradictory-th_2267605.png) > ““Nothing can appear more contradictory than the principles on which the old governments began, and the condition to which society, civilisation and commerce are capable of carrying mankind. Government, one the old system, is an assumption of power, for the aggrandisement of itself; on the new, a delegation of power for the common benefit of society. The former supports itself by keeping up a system of war; the later promotes a system of peace, as the true means of enriching a nation. The one encourages national prejudices; the other promotes universal society, as the means of universal commerce. The one measures its prosperity, by the quantity of revenue it extorts; the other proves its excellence, by the small quantity of taxes it requires.”” [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. The quote contrasts old governments that seek power and war with new systems that delegate power for societal benefit and peace, arguing true prosperity comes from low taxes not high revenue. **In simple terms:** Old power seeks war and taxes; new power seeks peace and low taxes. Key Takeaway Advocate for governance that serves the common good with minimal taxation. Themes politics governance economics peace taxation Mood reflective critical hopeful Type philosophical political When to use this quote - policy reform - citizen activism - tax advocacy - peacebuilding - economic planning Key Concepts social contract public good tax policy Questions to Reflect On - How can societies transition from power‑driven to benefit‑driven governance? - What mechanisms ensure low taxes do not underfund public services? 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