Quotation
Quote by Thomas Paine
Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil.
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Understanding this quote
The quote distinguishes between people living together and the institution that governs them. Society is described as a blessing because human cooperation benefits everyone. Government, even when it works well, is called a “necessary evil”: it may be needed to organize public life, but it also brings restrictions and power that people must accept.
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- Thomas Paine National Historical Association
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- Official Statement
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