--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What Archimedes said of the mechanical…" description: "\"“What Archimedes said of the mechanical powers, may be applied to Reason and Liberty: \"Had we,\" said he, \"a place to stand upon, we might raise the wor..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/588/thomas-paine-267_american-government_what-archimedes-said-of-the-mechanical-p_2626670.jpg" --- # What Archimedes said of the mechanical powers, may be… ![“What Archimedes said of the mechanical powers, may be applied to Reason and Liberty: "Had we," said he, "a place to stand upon, we might raise the world." The revolution of America presented in politics what was only theory in mechanics. So deeply rooted were all the governments of the old world…” quote by Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/588/thomas-paine-267_american-government_what-archimedes-said-of-the-mechanical-p_2626670.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/588/thomas-paine-267_american-government_what-archimedes-said-of-the-mechanical-p_2626670.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/588/thomas-paine-267_american-government_what-archimedes-said-of-the-mechanical-p_2626670.jpg) > ““What Archimedes said of the mechanical powers, may be applied to Reason and Liberty: "Had we," said he, "a place to stand upon, we might raise the world." The revolution of America presented in politics what was only theory in mechanics. So deeply rooted were all the governments of the old world, and so effectually had the tyranny and the antiquity of habit established itself over the mind, that no beginning could be made in Asia, Africa, or Europe, to reform the political condition of man. Freedom had been hunted round the globe; reason was considered as rebellion; and the slavery of fear had made men afraid to think. But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, - and all it wants, - is the liberty of appearing. The sun needs no inscription to distinguish him from darkness; and no sooner did the American governments display themselves to the world, than despotism felt a shock and man began to contemplate redress.”” [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. Reason and liberty amplify like a lever, amplifying human potential when a solid foundation exists. **In simple terms:** Reason needs a base to lift society. Key Takeaway Find a firm foundation for ideas. Themes freedom reason politics revolution truth Mood inspirational hopeful Type philosophical historical When to use this quote - political reform - social movements - education - activism Key Concepts Leverage mechanics philosophy Questions to Reflect On - How can societies build solid foundations for liberty? - What modern levers can amplify truth? A Different Perspective Without a stable base, ideas cannot be leveraged effectively. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [American government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/american-government/) [Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/) [Old world](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/old-world/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Reason Liberty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason-liberty-1353022/) [Revolution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/revolution/) [Revolution America](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/revolution-america-895320/) [Wants Liberty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wants-liberty-2154606/) [World Revolution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world-revolution-838092/) ## Related quotes > [“Perhaps no two events ever united so intimately and forceably to combat and expel prejudice, as the Revolution of America, and the Alliance with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-paine/perhaps-no-two-events-ever-united-so-intimately-and-forceably-to/) [Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-paine/) > [Freedom had been hunted round the globe; reason was considered as rebellion; and the slavery of fear had made men afraid to think. 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So deeply rooted were all the governments of the old world, and so effectually had the tyranny and the antiquity of habit established itself over the mind, that no beginning could be made in Asia, Africa, or Europe, to reform the political condition of man. Freedom had been hunted round the globe; reason was considered as rebellion; and the slavery of fear had made men afraid to think. But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, - and all it wants, - is the liberty of appearing. 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