Quotes By Thomas Paine

A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice.

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

It is not a God, just and good, but a devil, under the name of God, that the Bible describes.

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue 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.

Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.

To say that any people are not fit for freedom, is to make poverty their choice, and to say they had rather be loaded with taxes than not.

We can only reason from what is; we can reason on actualities, but not on possibilities.

The whole religious complexion of the modern world is due to the absence from Jerusalem of a lunatic asylum.

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

An army of principles can penetrate where an army of soldiers cannot.

My country is the world, and my religion is to do good.

The Vatican is a dagger in the heart of Italy.

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

I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.

Virtues are acquired through endeavor, Which rests wholly upon yourself. So, to praise others for their virtues Can but encourage one's own efforts.

To establish any mode to abolish war, however advantageous it might be to Nations, would be to take from such Government the most lucrative of its branches.

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

That which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly.

Lead, follow, or get out of the way.

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 abilities of man must fall short on one side or the other, like too scanty a blanket when you are abed. If you pull it upon your shoulders, your feet are left bare; if you thrust it down to your feet, your shoulders are uncovered.

But such is the irresistable nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants is the liberty of appearing.

Titles are but nicknames, and every nickname is a title.

Belief in a cruel God makes a cruel man.

There are matters in the Bible, said to be done by the express commandment of God, that are shocking to humanity and to every idea we have of moral justice.

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

The instant formal government is abolished, society begins to act. A general association takes place, and common interest produces common security.

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

'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.