常識論(Common Sense)節錄 --- 僅以此篇獻給我台灣同胞 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 different origins (opening line). 有許多人對於"社會"和"政府"極端混淆, 導致對其中的差異分辨不清; 事實上是, 他們不僅不同, 連起源都完全不一樣 I offer nothing but the simple facts, plain arguments and common sense. 我僅提供簡單的事實, 明確的論辯, 及常識. A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. 長時期的沒有想錯一件事給了人們他們一直做對事的表象, 因此一開始就製造了可畏的喧囂來防衛傳統 Society is produced by our wants, and government by wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices. The one encourages intercourse, the other creates distinctions. The first is a patron, the last a punisher. Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary
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