Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Argues that government should prioritize security efficiently, choosing the most effective form with least cost.
In plain terms
Government should secure people cheaply and well.
What can you take from it?
Seek cost-effective security measures.

Where it applies

  • budget planning
  • national defense

Putting it to work

  • evaluate security options for cost/benefit

Questions to consider

  • What defines 'least expense' in security?
  • How to balance cost and liberty?

Another view

May oversimplify complex security needs.

More from Thomas Paine

  1. Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one; for when we suffer,…

    Permalink to quote #8
  2. Of more worth is one honest man to society and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived.

    Permalink to quote #10
  3. Some writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but have diffe…

    Permalink to quote #7

Related quotes

  1. Diejenige Regierung ist die beste, die sich uberflussing macht.

    Wilhelm von HumboldtWilhelm von Humboldt quote #1
  2. The targeted assassination policy is a correct one. It is inconceivable that terrorists could operate freely without the ground quaking under their feet.

    Amir PeretzAmir Peretz quote #1
  3. Saddam Hussein's regime represents a grave threat to America and our allies, including our vital ally, Israel. For more than two decades, Saddam Hussein has so…

    John EdwardsJohn Edwards quote #7