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The Rights of Man · Theme
Economic Justice
How The Rights of Man develops Economic Justice.
The text critiques how old governments drain national wealth through war and taxation, causing poverty, and argues that just government should reduce taxes and promote general happiness.
Where it surfaces
- Ways and Means of Improving the Condition of Europe: Interspersed with Miscellaneous Observations
Paine highlights the burden of taxes on the poor and proposes financial relief, including abolition of poor-rates and window taxes, to improve the condition of the disadvantaged.
- Appendix
Paine's plan for reducing taxes, educating children, and supporting the poor and aged reflects a vision of economic fairness and government responsibility.
- Endnotes
Paine defends Wat Tyler's rebellion against oppressive poll taxes, emphasizing fairness in taxation.