Quotes by Thomas Gordon
1692 – 1750
Thomas Gordon (1692-1750) was a radical Whig and Commonwealthman who, along with his collaborator John Trenchard (1662-1723), were important voices defending constitutionalism and individual liberty in the 1720s in England. Little is known of Gordon’s early life but he came to prominence by co-writing The Independent Whig (1720-21) and Cato’s Letters (1720-23) with Trenchard.
Bio
He was a defender of the idea of liberty against political corruption, imperialism and militarism in the early 18th century. Their writings, especially Cato’s Letters, were also much read in the American colonies. After the death of Trenchard, Gordon translated the works of Tacitus (1728) and Sallust (1744) which included very lengthy political and historical commentaries.
Presidents, Kings, Tyrants, & Despots
Thomas Gordon believes that bigoted Princes are subject to the “blind control” of other “Directors and Masters” who work behind the scenes (1737)
War & Peace
Thomas Gordon gives a long list of ridiculous and frivolous reasons why kings and tyrants have started wars which have led only to the enslavement and destruction of their own people (1737)
War & Peace
Thomas Gordon on standing armies as a power which is inconsistent with liberty (1722)
Presidents, Kings, Tyrants, & Despots
Thomas Gordon compares the Greatness of Spartacus with that of Julius Caesar (1721)
Parties & Elections
Thomas Gordon on how the “Spirit of Party” substitutes party principles for moral principles, thus making it possible for the worst to get on top (1744)
The State
Thomas Gordon on the nature of power to expand (1721)
Presidents, Kings, Tyrants, & Despots
Thomas Gordon asks whether tyranny is worse than anarchy (1728)
Religion & Toleration
Thomas Gordon warns about the dangers of a politicised Religion which tries to rule this world (1720)
Presidents, Kings, Tyrants, & Despots
Thomas Gordon on how people are frightened into giving up their liberties (1722)