“Government, at its best, is only a necessary evil, at its worst intolerable” — Thomas Paine famously wrote the line in his 1776 pamphlet Common Sense, one of the most influential political writings in American history.
The quote appeared during the growing tension between the American colonies and Britain in the years leading up to the American Revolution. At the time, many colonists were frustrated by British taxation, the lack of representation in Parliament, and the increasing control of the British Crown.
Paine wrote Common Sense to argue that the colonies should break away from British rule and establish an independent republic. The brochure was written in simple and direct language so that ordinary people – not just political elites – could understand it. It quickly became widely read and helped create public support for independence.
The statement reflects Paine’s belief that governments are created because societies need order, law, and protection. But he warned that governments can also become oppressive if leaders abuse their power.
What did Thomas Paine mean by “necessary evil”?
When Paine described government as a “necessary evil,” he meant that government is not perfect, but necessary for the functioning of society.
According to Paine, humans naturally form societies to cooperate, trade, protect each other, and improve their lives. In his view, society was generally positive because it grew out of human needs and relationships. However, government existed mainly because people are not always able to live in peace without rules and enforcement.
In this sense, government was “necessary” because it provides:
– Protection of rights and property
– Security against violence or chaos
-Dispute resolution systems
-Public administration and defense
But Paine also saw it as “evil” because governments exercise power over citizens through laws, taxes, and force. Even well-functioning governments limit individual freedom to some extent.
His point was not that all government is bad, but that citizens should remain careful not to give too much power to rulers or institutions.
What did Paine mean by “intolerable”?
The second half of the quote warns against governments abusing their authority.
An “intolerable” government, according to Paine’s philosophy, is one that becomes oppressive, corrupt, or disconnected from the people it governs. Such governments may restrict freedoms, ignore citizens’ rights, impose unjust laws, or use force to maintain control.
Paine believed that the British monarchy had reached this stage in relation to the American colonies. Colonists did not have direct representation in the British Parliament, but were still subject to British taxes and laws. Events such as the Stamp Act, the Boston Tea Party, and harsh British repression increased resentment among Americans.
For Paine, when government ceases to serve the people and instead becomes an instrument of domination, citizens have the right to challenge or replace it.
This idea later influenced democratic movements around the world, including debates about constitutional rights, representative government, and civil liberties.
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Who was Thomas Paine?
Thomas Paine was an English-born political philosopher, writer, and revolutionary, best known for inspiring the American independence movement with his powerful political writings.
Born on January 29, 1737 in Thetford, England, Paine worked at various jobs before moving to the American colonies in 1774 with the support of Benjamin Franklin. Soon after his arrival he became involved in revolutionary politics and journalism.
In 1776, Paine published Common Sense, a widely read pamphlet that advocated American independence from Britain. Labor played a major role in shaping public opinion during the American Revolution.
He later wrote The American Crisis, a series of essays that encouraged American soldiers during the war. Paine also supported democratic ideals during the French Revolution and wrote about human rights, liberty, and representative government.
Thomas Paine died on June 8, 1809 in New York. He is remembered as one of the most influential political thinkers of the 18th century and a leading voice for democracy and freedom.
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