Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.
THOMAS PAINEIt has been the political career of this man to begin with hypocrisy, proceed with arrogance, and finish with contempt.
More Thomas Paine Quotes
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Every person of learning is finally his own teacher.
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Virtue is not hereditary.
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When extraordinary power and extraordinary pay are allotted to any individual in a government, he becomes the center, round which every kind of corruption generates and forms.
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A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody.
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These are the times that try men’s souls.
THOMAS PAINE -
I 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.
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One good schoolmaster is of more use than a hundred priests.
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Religion 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 PAINE -
It is the duty of every man, as far as his ability extends, to detect and expose delusion and error.
THOMAS PAINE -
The slavery of fear had made men afraid to think.
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It is important that we should never lose sight of this distinction. We must not confuse the peoples with their governments.
THOMAS PAINE -
There are two distinct classes of men – those who pay taxes and those who receive and live upon taxes.
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Taxes were not raised to carry on wars, but that wars were raised to carry on taxes.
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Character is much easier kept than recovered.
THOMAS PAINE -
You cannot undermine police authority and then complain about rising crime.
THOMAS PAINE