# Peace and Anti-War in The Rights of Man

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

Paine links hereditary monarchy and court governments to perpetual war and high taxes, proposing that republican principles and international cooperation can abolish war and reduce public burdens.

## Where it surfaces

- [Paine's Preface to the English Edition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/chapters/paine-s-preface-to-the-english-edition): Paine expresses his wish to avoid war and advocates for better understanding between England and France, criticizing those who profit from conflict.
- [Paine's Preface to the French Edition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/chapters/paine-s-preface-to-the-french-edition): Paine condemns the English government's warmongering and its pursuit of war for tax revenue.
- [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/chapters/conclusion): Paine argues that war is a product of old governments and proposes a European Congress to abolish war.
- [To M. de la Fayette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/chapters/to-m-de-la-fayette): Paine suggests that surrounding France with revolutions will bring peace and safety, and reduce taxes, linking revolution to the cessation of war.
- [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 criticizes war as a game for governments that brings no benefit to farmers or manufacturers, only taxes and suffering.
- [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 contrasts the old system's reliance on war with the new system's promotion of peace as the true means of enriching a nation.
- [Ways and Means of Improving the Condition of Europe: Interspersed with Miscellaneous Observations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/chapters/v-ways-and-means-of-improving-the-condition-of-europe-interspersed-with-miscellaneous-observations): Paine proposes a confederation of European navies to limit military forces and reduce war, advocating for a peaceful resolution to international conflicts.

## Links

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