Thomas Paine

It is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from inquiry.
Thomas Paine - Common Sense
When my country, into which I had just set my foot, was set on fire about my ears, it was time to stir. It was time for every man to stir.

Such is the irresistible nature of truth that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing.

He that would make his own liberty secure must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself.

The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.

Whenever we read the obscene stories, voluptuous debaucheries, the cruel and tortous executions, the unrelenting vindictivenes, with which more than half the Bible is filled, it would be more consistant that we called it the word of a Demon than the word of God. It is a history of wickedness that has served to corrupt and brutalize mankind, and, for my part, I sincerly detest it as I detest everything that is cruel.

Character is much easier kept than recovered.
Thomas Paine - The Age of Reason
"What is it the Bible teaches us? - rapine, cruelty, and murder. What is it the Testament teaches us? - to believe that the Almighty committed debauchery with a woman engaged to be married, and the belief of this debauchery is called faith.

All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian, or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit.

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly... it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as Freedom should not be highly rated.

Better fare hard with good men than feast it with bad.
Thomas Paine - "The Age of Reason"
Whenever we read the obscene stories, the voluptuous debaucheries, the cruel and torturous executions, the unrelenting vindictiveness, with which more than half the bible is filled, it would seem more consistent that we called it the word of a demon than the Word of God. It is a history of wickedness that has served to corrupt and brutalize mankind.

A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice.

The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.
Thomas Paine - "Age of Reason"
All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit.

Better fare hard with good men than feast it with bad.

Human nature is not of itself vicious.
Thomas Paine - in his "The Rights of Man" (1791)
The instant formal government is abolished, society begins to act. A general association takes place, and common interest produces common security.
Thomas Paine - "The Rights of Man", 1792
A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue, but moderation in principle is always a vice.

I fear not, I see not reason for fear. In the end we will be the victors. For though at times the flame of liberty may cease to shine, the ember will never expire.

Whenever we read the obscene stories, the voluptuous debaucheries, the cruel and torturous executions, the unrelenting vindictiveness, with which more than half the bible is filled, it would seem more consistent that we called it the word of a demon than the Word of God. It is a history of wickedness that has served to corrupt and brutalize mankind.

The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead.

When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is not hereditary.
Thomas Paine - "The American Crisis"
What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly. It is dearness only that gives everything its value.

It is the duty of every patriot to protect his country from its government.
Thomas Paine - Common Sense
Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

- Thomas Paine