“Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one…”
These words, penned by Thomas Paine in his revolutionary pamphlet Common Sense, are some of the most famous in political philosophy. Published in 1776, they captured the spirit of a burgeoning revolution. Moreover, they laid a foundational stone for American skepticism toward centralized power. Paine’s assertion is not a simple complaint. Instead, it is a carefully constructed argument that draws a sharp line between human community and political institutions. To truly understand its power, we must dissect it piece by piece.
The Blessing of Society vs. The Burden of Government
Paine begins by establishing a critical distinction. He writes, “Society in every state is a blessing.” For him, society is a natural and positive force. People come together out of mutual need and affection. We cooperate to build homes, grow food, and create communities. This collaboration arises from our wants and our desire for a better life. Society, therefore, represents the constructive and organic parts of human interaction. It is born from our virtues.
In stark contrast, Paine introduces government as an institution born from our vices. He argues that government becomes necessary only because people do not always act morally. It exists to restrain our negative impulses and protect us from each other. While society promotes our happiness positively, government promotes it negatively by restraining evil. This framing immediately casts government in a suspicious light. It is not a benevolent creator of order, but a reluctant security guard hired to manage our worst tendencies.
Why a ‘Necessary’ Institution?
It is crucial to recognize that Paine was not an anarchist. He firmly believed government was “necessary.” He understood that without a system of laws and enforcement, life would be chaotic and unsafe. People’s natural rights to life, liberty, and property would be under constant threat. Consequently, a government’s primary, and perhaps only, legitimate role is to provide security. Citizens consent to be governed and surrender a portion of their liberty to create a state that can protect them from internal and external dangers. This makes government an essential component for a stable civilization. Its necessity is rooted in practicality and the unfortunate reality of human fallibility. It is the price we pay for peace and order.
Why an ‘Evil’ Compromise?
If government is necessary, why does Paine label it an “evil”? The evil lies in its very nature. Every act of governance involves coercion. It imposes taxes, enforces laws, and punishes offenders. Each of these actions represents a restriction on individual freedom. Even in its most democratic and just form—its “best state”—a government limits what people can do. Therefore, it is a compromise, a trade-off of some liberty for the sake of security. This trade is necessary, but Paine insists we never forget the cost. We should view government with constant vigilance, ensuring it never oversteps its limited, security-focused purpose. It is a necessary evil because it is a solution that carries inherent downsides.
Common Sense had a massive impact on the colonies. Source Experts estimate it sold as many as 500,000 copies in a population of just 2.5 million people. . This widespread readership helped galvanize public opinion in favor of independence.
The Worst State: An ‘Intolerable’ Tyranny
Paine then presents the dark alternative: government in its “worst state” is an “intolerable one.” This part of his argument was a direct assault on the British monarchy under King George III. When a government ceases to protect its people and instead becomes the primary source of their suffering, it loses all legitimacy. If citizens endure the cost of government (loss of liberty, taxes) without receiving its single benefit (security), then the institution has become an intolerable burden. In such a case, the government not only fails its purpose but actively works against it. It amplifies the very evils it was created to prevent.
This powerful conclusion serves as a justification for revolution. Paine tells his readers that the British government is no longer a necessary evil but has devolved into an active and unbearable one. He argues that colonists are suffering all the drawbacks of a government without any of its protections. Therefore, the logical and moral course of action is to break away and form a new government. This new government should be designed to remain in its “best state”—a simple, accountable system focused solely on securing the rights of its citizens.
Paine’s Enduring Legacy
Thomas Paine’s formulation of government as a “necessary evil” has echoed through centuries of political discourse, particularly in the United States. It informs a deep-seated cultural skepticism of authority and a preference for limited government. The phrase elegantly captures the tension between the need for order and the desire for individual freedom. It reminds us that while we need governing structures, we should never grant them our unquestioning trust. We must always watch them carefully.
In conclusion, Paine’s famous words are more than a catchy phrase. They represent a profound theory of government. He brilliantly separates the natural, positive bonds of society from the artificial, coercive nature of the state. By framing government as a necessary but inherently flawed tool, he armed a generation of revolutionaries with a powerful intellectual weapon. His logic underscores a timeless warning: government is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. We must always treat it as such.