# Critique of Hereditary Government in The Rights of Man

> Theme guide for The Rights of Man by Thomas Paine.

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/chapters/rights-of-man): Paine condemns the hereditary system exemplified by William the Conqueror's charters and the capricious election qualifications in England.
- [Miscellaneous Chapter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/chapters/ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/chapters/iii-of-the-old-and-new-systems-of-government): Paine condemns hereditary government as tyranny, mental levelling, and inadequate for the purposes of government.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/themes/critique_of_hereditary_government
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/themes