Government is best which governs least.
THOMAS PAINEGovernment is best which governs least.
THOMAS PAINEI consider the war of America against Britain as the country’s war, the public’s war, or the war of the people in their own behalf, for the security of their natural rights, and the protection of their own property.
THOMAS PAINEChristianity is the strangest religion ever set up, for it committed a murder upon Jesus in order to redeem mankind from the sin of eating an apple.
THOMAS PAINEWhat we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value.
THOMAS PAINEThe right of voting for representatives is the primary right by which other rights are protected. To take away this right is to reduce a man to slavery, for slavery consists in being subject to the will of another, and he that has not a vote in the election of representatives is in this case.
THOMAS PAINEThese are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it NOW, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.
THOMAS PAINEHe who dares not offend cannot be honest.
THOMAS PAINENo country can be called free which is governed by an absolute power; and it matters not whether it be an absolute royal power or an absolute legislative power, as the consequences will be the same to the people.
THOMAS PAINEFreedom had been hunted round the globe; reason was considered as rebellion; and the slavery of fear had made men afraid to think. But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing.
THOMAS PAINEThere are two distinct classes of men – those who pay taxes and those who receive and live upon taxes.
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 PAINETaxes were not raised to carry on wars, but that wars were raised to carry on taxes.
THOMAS PAINEOur greatest enemies, the ones we must fight most often, are within.
THOMAS PAINEIf I do not believe as you believe, it proves that you do not believe as I believe, and that is all that it proves.
THOMAS PAINEI prefer peace. But if trouble must come, let it come in my time, so that my children can live in peace.
THOMAS PAINETo argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead.
THOMAS PAINE