Society vs. Government Distinction

From Common Sense by Thomas Paine
Paine opens by distinguishing society (a blessing produced by our wants that promotes happiness) from government (a necessary evil produced by our wickedness that restrains vices).
Of the Origin and Design of Government in General

The famous opening: 'Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices.'

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Of the Origin and Design of Government in General
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.
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