Quote by Thomas Paine, "Common Sense", 17
Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.
Summary
This quote reflects the perspective that government is a necessary institution, yet not without its shortcomings. It suggests that even when functioning at its best, government can be burdensome or intrusive to some extent. However, when government fails to fulfill its responsibilities and abuses its power, it becomes unbearable and unacceptable. Overall, the quote highlights the delicate balance between the importance of governance and the potential dangers it poses when unregulated or oppressive.