meaning ofSociety 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. The one encourages[social]intercourse, the other creates distinctions. The first is a patron, the last a punisher.

It is a famous quote of Thomas Paine which he has written in the book named "Common Sense".

Explanation:

The meaning of this quote is that the society is beneficial for mankind while the government is symbol of difference that is harmful for us. The author has beautifully explained that the society are formed by our free will while governments are formed by our personal agendas. Society foster happiness as everyone feels united while a government always has an opposition. Society promotes the social interactions among everyone while government creates differences due to differences of ideology and opinions. So, the society is a patron for all of us while government feel like a punisher.