Thomas Paine Quotes

Suspicion is the companion of mean souls, and the bane of all good society.

In the progress of politics, as in the common occurrences of life, we are not only apt to forget the ground we have travelled over, but frequently neglect to gather up experiences as we go.

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

When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is not hereditary.

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it.

He that rebels against reason is a real rebel, but he that in defence of reason rebels against tyranny has a better title to "Defender of the Faith," than George the Third.

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.

The final event to himself has been, that as he rose like a rocket, he fell like the stick.

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.

Every religion is good that teaches man to be good; and I know of none that instructs him to be bad.