We have a collection of 4 Government quotes from Thomas Paine
"Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one." (ID 22898)
"The instant formal government is abolished, society begins to act. A general association takes place, and common interest produces common security." (ID 23030)
"Society in every state is a blessing, but government, even in its best stage, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one." (ID 23051)
"To establish any mode to abolish war, however advantageous it might be to Nations, would be to take from such Government the most lucrative of its branches." (ID 23289)