The greatest difficulty lies, in setting a huge massy body in motion. To point out to mankind their real interest, is easy enough; but to convince them of their duty, and to persuade those who are activated by different views, and subject to different passions, to lay aside their prejudices, to give up a strong attachment to their immediate interests, and to act in mutual concert, for the good of the whole, is an arduous task.
– “Libertas at Natale Solum,” South-Carolina Gazette, 20 August 1770, quoted in T.H. Breen, The Marketplace of Revolution
