It is the duty of the patriot to protect his country from its government.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Patriots should guard their nation against governmental overreach.
- In plain terms
- A patriot's duty is to protect the country from its own government.
- What can you take from it?
- Vigilance toward government power is essential for liberty.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What are effective ways to hold government accountable?
- How balance patriotism with critique?
Another view
The phrase can be interpreted as encouraging dissent without constructive means.
More from Thomas Paine
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
Permalink to quote #58 The greatest threat to our [democratic] experiment will not come from those who would openly oppose us, but those who will silently follow us.
Permalink to quote #60 That government is best which governs least.
Permalink to quote #57
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