Quotation by

Thomas Paine

Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil in its worst state, an intolerable one.

Government

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Thomas Paine is saying that government is something we need, but it is still something harmful or unpleasant. When government is corrupt or oppressive, it becomes unbearable and unacceptable.

More by this author

All quotes by Thomas Paine →

More quotes about Government

See all →

A wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take …

The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.

I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial by strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country.

Government is not reason it is not eloquent it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.

No man is good enough to govern another man without the other's consent.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.