Patriotism
and the fashions of the moment
“There is not a vice, nor scarcely a virtue, that has not as the fashion of the moment suited been called by the name of patriotism ... But if we give to patriotism a fixed idea consistent with that of a republic, it would signify a strict adherence to the principles of moral justice, to the equality of civil and political rights, to the system of representative government, and an opposition to every hereditary claim to govern; and of this species of patriotism you know my character."
Thomas Paine to James Monroe - October 26, 1794.
Question: is wealth inherited power?
Coming soon to 21CR, more reviews of Paine works and works ABOUT Paine. Thanks for reading. Please comment and share with those broadly interested in history, political thought, and of course Thomas Paine.
My pleasure, Ken.
Interestingly, Paine once again plays with the political lexicon, giving it a new dimension, if not revolutionizing it. The revolution occurs first and foremost in the use of words. Patriotism is no longer an individual's love of a country, but an adherence to moral principles and a form of government, namely the representative republic. It's a fine quotation that sums up Paine's political thinking in a nutshell - and there's a lot more to say on the subject...