# How does Essays develop the theme of Society vs. Government?

> Essays by Thomas Paine

## Answer

Essays by Thomas Paine develops Society vs. Government across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Paine distinguishes society, which arises from natural wants and promotes happiness, from government, which is a necessary evil born from human wickedness, and argues that government should be limited and serve only to protect security.

Paine clearly distinguishes society as a blessing produced by our wants, and government as a necessary evil produced by our wickedness.

Paine distinguishes between the benefits of civilized society and the evils it has produced, calling for reformed legislation to preserve the benefits while remedying the evils.

## Evidence

- [of-the-origin-and-design-of-government-in-general-with-concise-remarks-on-the-english-constitution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/of-the-origin-and-design-of-government-in-general-with-concise-remarks-on-the-english-constitution.md): Paine clearly distinguishes society as a blessing produced by our wants, and government as a necessary evil produced by our wickedness.
- [agrarian-justice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/agrarian-justice.md): Paine distinguishes between the benefits of civilized society and the evils it has produced, calling for reformed legislation to preserve the benefits while remedying the evils.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/questions/how-society-vs-government
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se
- All questions: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/questions