In the underlined text, Paine is referring to the idea that individuals and society have the inherent right to govern themselves. He emphasizes that forming their own constitution and government is a proactive and wise decision, rather than waiting for fate or circumstance to dictate their future. By highlighting the importance of establishing a government of their own, he warns against the dangers of not acting, which could lead to ongoing oppression and tyranny. Paine advocates for independence from external control, suggesting that it is crucial for people to take charge of their own governance to avoid the risks associated with inaction and reliance on "time and chance."
Read the underlined text. What is Paine referring to in this sentence?
It is easy to see the future.
Things can change very quickly in life.
Everyone has the right to their own government.
A government of our own is our natural right: And when a man seriously reflects on the precariousness of human affairs, he will become convinced, that it is infinitely wiser and safer, to form a constitution of our own in a cool deliberate manner, while we have it in our power, than to trust such an interesting event to time and chance... Ye that oppose independence now, ye know not what ye do; ye are opening a door to eternal tyranny, by keeping vacant the seat of government. There are thousands, and tens of thousands, who would think it glorious to expel from the continent, that barbarous and hellish power...
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