The 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 PAINEGovernment is not a trade which any man or body of men has a right to set up and exercise for his own emolument, but is altogether a trust, in right of those by whom that trust is delegated, and by whom it is always resumable. It has of itself no rights; they are altogether duties.
More Thomas Paine Quotes
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Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
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Arms discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as well as property… Horrid mischief would ensue were the law-abiding deprived of the use of them.
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Every person of learning is finally his own teacher.
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The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.
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It has been the political career of this man to begin with hypocrisy, proceed with arrogance, and finish with contempt.
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Character is much easier kept than recovered.
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It is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from inquiry.
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Those who expect to reap the blessing of freedom must undertake to support it.
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The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.
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All churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Muslim, are simply human inventions. They use fear to enslave us. They are a monopoly for power and profit.
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A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody.
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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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Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.
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He who dares not offend cannot be honest.
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Government is best which governs least.
THOMAS PAINE






