The Rights of Man · Theme
Critique of Hereditary Government
How The Rights of Man develops Critique of Hereditary Government.
Paine condemns monarchy and hereditary succession as absurd, tyrannical, and contrary to reason, arguing that they treat people as property and lead to war and oppression.
Where it surfaces
- Editor's Introduction
Paine opposed hereditary monarchy and privilege, approving a French throne only if not hereditary; Burke defended hereditary succession as divinely ordained.
- Rights of Man
Paine condemns the hereditary system exemplified by William the Conqueror's charters and the capricious election qualifications in England.
- Miscellaneous Chapter
Paine systematically attacks hereditary succession as despotism, arguing that it precludes the consent of future generations and cannot be justified by wisdom or tradition.
- Conclusion
Hereditary succession is based on ignorance, as talents cannot be inherited; it is contrasted with republican government based on reason.
- Part Second: Combining Principle and Practice
Paine systematically attacks hereditary succession as irrational and unjust, advocating for elected governance.
- Of the Origin of the Present Old Governments
Paine condemns hereditary monarchy as originating from robbery and usurpation, with successors assuming new appearances to hide their disgrace.
- Of the Old and New Systems of Government
Paine condemns hereditary government as tyranny, mental levelling, and inadequate for the purposes of government.