Thomas Paine
(1737-1809)

American Political Philosopher, Revolutionary

birthdate: January 29
birthplace:
Thetford, England

QUOTES

The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.

We have it in our power to begin the world over again.

Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice.

He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach himself.

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.

These are the times that try men's souls

Lead, follow, or get out of the way.

Belief in a cruel God makes a cruel man.

Practical religion consists in doing good: and the only way of serving God is that of endeavoring to make His creation happy. All preaching that has not this for its object is nonsense and hypocrisy.

Character is much easier kept than recovered.

All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian, or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit.

The greatest remedy for anger is delay.

The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.

When shall it be said in any country of the world, my poor are happy; neither ignorance or distress is to be found among them; my jails are empty of prisoners, my streets of beggers; the aged are not in want, the taxes are not oppressive; the rational world is my friend, becausei am friend of its happiness; when these things can be said, then may that country boast of its constitution and government.

When men yield up the privilege of thinking, the last shadow of liberty quits the horizon.

 

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