# Society vs. Government in The Rights of Man

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

Paine distinguishes between natural society, which fosters cooperation and happiness, and artificial government, which often imposes burdens; he argues that minimal government is needed when society is well-ordered.

## Where it surfaces

- [Of Society and Civilisation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/chapters/i-of-society-and-civilisation): Paine distinguishes between the natural order of society and the artificial institution of government, arguing that society is largely self-sufficient.
- [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 contrasts the peaceful arts of agriculture, manufacture, and commerce (society) with the war and extortion inherent in old governments.
- [Of Constitutions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/chapters/iv-of-constitutions): Paine contrasts the natural sociability of man with the corrupting influence of governments, arguing that human nature is not vicious but is corrupted by government.
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/chapters/endnotes): Paine argues that government should be minimal and that monarchy and aristocracy are fraudulent impositions.

## Links

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