It is important that we should never lose sight of this distinction. We must not confuse the peoples with their governments.
THOMAS PAINEIt is important that we should never lose sight of this distinction. We must not confuse the peoples with their governments.
THOMAS PAINEReputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.
THOMAS PAINEWhen a man has so far corrupted and prostituted the chastity of his mind, as to [profess] things he does not believe, he has prepared himself for the commission of every other crime.
THOMAS PAINEThose who expect to reap the blessing of freedom must undertake to support it.
THOMAS PAINEIt is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from inquiry.
THOMAS PAINEIndependence is my happiness, and I view things as they are, without regard to place or person; my country is the world, and my religion is to do good.
THOMAS PAINEEvery proprietor owes to the community a ground-rent for the land which he holds.
THOMAS PAINEA long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason.
THOMAS PAINEOur greatest enemies, the ones we must fight most often, are within.
THOMAS PAINEThe right of voting for representatives , is the primary right by which other rights are protected.
THOMAS PAINEIt has been the political career of this man to begin with hypocrisy, proceed with arrogance, and finish with contempt.
THOMAS PAINEHe 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.
THOMAS PAINEThose who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
THOMAS PAINEReligion is a history of wickedness that has served to corrupt and brutalize humankind; and, for my part, I sincerely detest it as I detest everything that is cruel.
THOMAS PAINEIt is easy to see that when republican virtue fails, slavery ensues.
THOMAS PAINEI believe in one God, and no more; and I hope for happiness beyond this life. I believe in the equality of humans; and I believe that religious duties consist in doing justice, loving mercy, and endeavoring to make our fellow creatures happy.
THOMAS PAINE