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Arms, like laws, discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe and preserve order.
Thomas Paine
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Arms and laws create a sense of order and deter those who would disrupt peace.

This quote by Thomas Paine highlights the importance of both physical strength and legal frameworks in maintaining societal order. Just as laws serve to discourage wrongdoing by instilling fear of consequences, so too do arms provide a means of protection and deterrence against those who would invade or steal. Together, they create a balance that preserves peace and safety within a community.

Themes

ArmsLawsOrderPeaceDeterrence

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion on the importance of law enforcement, this quote can illustrate how laws and public safety systems protect society.

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To reason with goverments, as they have existed for ages, is to argue with brutes. It is only from the nations themselves that reforms can be expected
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Quote by Thomas Paine | QuoteProject