"To preserve the benefits of what is called civilized life, and to remedy at the same time the evil which it has produced, ought to considered as one of the first objects of reformed legislation.
"Whether that state that is proudly, perhaps erroneously, called civilization, has most promoted or most injured the general happiness of man is a question that may be strongly contested. On one side, the spectator is dazzled by splendid appearances; on the other, he is shocked by extremes of wretchedness; both of which it has erected. The most affluent and the most miserable of the human race are to be found in the countries that are called civilized."
-- Thomas Paine (b. 1737-02-09[*], d. 1809-06-08), Agrarian Justice (written 1795, published 1797)
[*] In the calendar in use at the time: 1736-01-29. The Gregorian calendar was adopted by Great Britain and her colonies during Paine's lifetime, in 1752.)
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