Chapter 11 the second part

- Combining principles with practice To the Marquis de Lafayette After fifteen years of acquaintance under the difficult situation in America, and after discussing day and night in Europe, I am happy to dedicate this short essay to Your Excellency, to thank you for your contribution to my beloved America, and to express my respect for you in both public and private affairs. The reverence for the virtues of both aspects. The only difference of opinion I have found so far between us has not been on the principles of the government, but only on timing.Personally, I think that good principles are equally harmful if they are delayed or too hastily implemented.What you think can be done in fourteen or five years, I think it can be done in a much shorter time.Men, I think, have always been mature enough to realize what their real interest lies, so long as it is clearly understood by them, and is not aroused by any suspicion of personal ambition, or resentment by its exorbitant demands.What we want to reform should not be criticized.

When the American Revolution was accomplished, I wanted to sit back and live in peace.It did not occur to me that any event so great as to cause me to give up my quiet life and change my mind.But if the powerful motive for action is principle rather than position, I think people are the same everywhere. Now, I am engaged in social activities again, and because I dare not imagine that I can live like you for many years, I have made up my mind to work as soon as I can; and because I am eager to get your help and cooperation, I hope you Step up to your principles and surpass me. If you start a campaign in the spring (and you probably won't have the chance to do so), I'll be there.

If the movement does take off, I hope it will finally destroy German despotism and establish freedom for all German people.If France is surrounded by the revolutions of all nations, she will be in peace and security, and her taxes, as well as those of Germany, will be lightened accordingly. Your sincere and affectionate friend, thomas paine London, 9th z. 1972