The Rights of Man · Chapter
Of the Origin of the Present Old Governments explained
Paine argues that all old governments originated through violence and usurpation, contrasting them with the legitimate foundations of American and French governments.
What happens
Paine argues that all old governments originated through violence and usurpation, contrasting them with the legitimate foundations of American and French governments. He traces monarchy back to banditti and robbers, and contends that such governments perpetuate war and extortion, offering no possibility of reform except starting anew on the ground of the nation.
Themes in this chapter
Critique of Hereditary Government
Paine condemns hereditary monarchy as originating from robbery and usurpation, with successors assuming new appearances to hide their disgrace.
Society vs. Government
Paine contrasts the peaceful arts of agriculture, manufacture, and commerce (society) with the war and extortion inherent in old governments.
Revolution and Reform
Paine argues that old governments cannot be reformed and that the only remedy is to begin anew on the ground of the nation.
Peace and Anti-War
Paine criticizes war as a game for governments that brings no benefit to farmers or manufacturers, only taxes and suffering.
Characters to notice
- William the Conqueror
His Norman invasion and tyranny are cited as the origin of the English monarchy, deeply hated by the nation.
Key passages
“The origin of the present government of America and France will ever be remembered, because it is honourable to record it; but with respect to the rest, even Flattery has consigned them to the tomb of time, without an inscription.”
The beginnings of the American and French governments are worthy of remembrance, while all other governments are so shameful that even flattery has buried them in oblivion.
Paine contrasts the honorable origins of new republics with the disgraceful origins of old monarchies.
“It could have been no difficult thing in the early and solitary ages of the world, while the chief employment of men was that of attending flocks and herds, for a banditti of ruffians to overrun a country, and lay it under contributions. Their power being thus established, the chief of the band contrived to lose the name of Robber in that of Monarch; and hence the origin of Monarchy and Kings.”
In early times, when people were shepherds, a gang of ruffians could easily conquer a land and tax it. The leader then renamed himself from robber to monarch, which is how kingship began.
Paine presents a cynical origin story for monarchy as institutionalized banditry.
“War is the Pharo-table of governments, and nations the dupes of the game.”
War is like a gambling table for governments, and nations are the fools who are cheated.
Paine uses a gambling metaphor to describe how governments profit from war at the expense of their people.