Thomas Paine Quotes - 10 quotes

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Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine (1737-1809) was an influential English-American writer and political pamphleteer. He is best known for his works "Common Sense" (1776) and "The American Crisis" (1776-1783), which played a crucial role in inspiring the American Revolution. He was born on January 29, 1737, in Thetford, ... show more

quote icon He who dares not offend cannot be honest.

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quote icon For as in absolute governments the King is law, so in free countries the law ought to be king; and there ought to be no other.

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quote icon "Government even in its best state is but a necessary evil. In its worst state an intolerable one.“

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quote icon The supposed quietude of a good man allures the ruffian; while on the other hand, arms, like law, discourage and keep the invader and the plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as well as property. The balance ofpower is the scale of peace. The same balance would be preserved were all the world destitute of arms, for all would be alike; but since some will not, others dare not lay them aside. And while a single nation refuses to lay them down, it is proper that all should keep them up. Horrid mischief would ensue were one-half the world deprived of the use of them; for while avarice and ambition have a place in the heart of man, the weak will become a prey to the strong. The history of every age and nation establishes these truths, and facts need but little arguments when they prove themselves.

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quote icon These 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. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: Tis dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to set proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has right [not only to tax but] ‘to bind us in all cases whatsoever’ and if being bound in that manner is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon the earth. Even the expression is impious, for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.

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quote icon There is something in the cause and consequence of America that has drawn on her the attention of all mankind.

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quote icon Character is much easier kept than recovered.

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quote icon To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead.

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quote icon The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

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quote icon That which we obtain to easily, we esteem too lightly. It is dearness only which gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price on its goods.

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