English v.s. French

There seems to be a common theme in most of Thomas Paine’s Arguments against Edmund Burke. This vein that runs throughout The Rights of Man is centered on one thing: government. Specifically, The English government versus the French government. Burke seems to think that the English government is a perfect model for the French government, seeing as France had recently undergone a revolution. In response to this, Paine evaluates the two governments and compares them, piece by piece, to prove that the English government is not a better example/more efficient than its French counterpart.

Instead of comparing the governments of these two giants, however, I’d prefer to compare an aspect of their culture that I know a bit better: their cuisine.

French cuisine is known for its attention to detail; each meal is displayed with exquisite presentation, not lacking visually in any form or fashion. The colors of the dish usually complement the complex flavors, which can be highlighted by one of many traditional French sauces. Meals in France are light yet flavorful; rich but still innovative.

In England, rich and hearty cuisine reigns supreme; chefs there favor rustic, home-style dishes instead of light, aromatic ones. This is not to say that their cooking lacks flavor- quite the opposite, in fact: their often meat-centric fare is penetrated by strong spices and herbs, influenced by the cultures of foreign settlers. Simple sauces accentuate their self-appointed “unfussy dishes,” which are focused on quality, local ingredients and great taste.

In my opinion, neither of these native cuisine styles outclasses the other, both being unique and exemplary in their own way. Unlike their governments, which both Burke and Paine consider one to be greater than the other, neither France or England will claim the title of “best cuisine.”

The Tripod of Governments

To understand and distinguish between today’s governments, yesterday’s must be understood. To do this, Paine inspects them under three “heads”: Superstition, Power, and Society. The first was a government of priest-craft, in which oracles pretended to have access to things beyond them and were the first to be consulted on matters of law. The second head was one of conquerors, where the sword took the place of a scepter and the government stood as long as there was power enough to support it. The third, however, stands out from the rest- this is a Government of Reason, taking into account the common interest of society and the rights of man.

Individuals agreed with each other to produce this type of government, which rose out of the people instead of over the people. It is based on a constitution, the foundation on which a society stands and the rules by which it is run. This document is unchangeable, meant to hold the society together and govern each individual equally. Paine highlights this Government of Reason because it is the best way to run a society. It may not always be the most united or faithful, such as the Government of Superstition; and it won’t always be the most prolific or monetarily successful, like the Government of Power. It will, however, be what the other legs of the governmental tripod fail to embody- fair, just, logical, and upholding of the rights of man.