“There are two distinct species of popularity; the one excited by merit, the other by resentment.” -Thomas Paine Too often it seems as if our political leaders and those seeking power pander toward the worst in people – intolerance and resentment, fear and prejudice. Achieving popularity by inciting the darker passions in people may win elections, but …
Category Archives: Thomas Paine Writings and Essays
On the Perverse Utility of Falsehood
“Every lie is welcome that suits its purpose.”-Thomas Paine Nobody wishes to be called a liar, but many will believe in lies to reinforce a delusion. To every lie, its purpose. Tags: thomas+paine+and+falsehood, lie+suits+it+purpose
On Speaking Truth to (and of) Power: When Good People Follow Bad Leaders
“When I look into history and see the multitudes of men, otherwise virtuous, who have died, and their families been ruined, in the defense of knaves and fools, and which they would not have done, had they reasoned at all upon the system; I do not know a greater good that an individual can render …
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