Thomas Paine

Society in every state is a blessing, but government, even in its best stage, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one.

Reputation is what men and women think of us character is what God and angels know of us.

Time makes more converts than reason.

I prefer peace. But if trouble must come, let it come in my time, so that my children can live in peace.

Is it not a species of blasphemy to call the New Testament revealed religion, when we see in it such contradictions and absurdities.

Persecution is not an original feature in any religion but it is always the strongly marked feature of all religions established by law.

Of all the tyrannies that affect mankind, tyranny in religion is the worst.

The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.

I believe in the equality of man; and I believe that religious duties consist in doing justice, loving mercy, and endeavoring to make our fellow-creatures happy.

The strength and power of despotism consists wholly in the fear of resistance.

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

Every science has for its basis a system of principles as fixed and unalterable as those by which the universe is regulated and governed. Man cannot make principles he can only discover them.

War involves in its progress such a train of unforeseen circumstances that no human wisdom can calculate the end; it has but one thing certain, and that is to increase taxes.

To establish any mode to abolish war, however advantageous it might be to Nations, would be to take from such Government the most lucrative of its branches.

'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.

I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.

A man may write himself out of reputation when nobody else can do it.

These are the times that try men's souls.