Quotes from Thomas Paine

Political Liberty consists in the power of doing whatever does not injure another. The exercise of the natural rights of every [human], has no other limits than those which are necessary to secure to every other [human] the free exercise of the same rights.

Reputation is what men and women think of us. Character is what God and the angels know of us.

What at first was plunder assumed the softer name of revenue.

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

It is the object only of war that makes it honorable. And if there was ever a just war since the world began, it is this in which America is now engaged.

We fight not to enslave, but to set a country free, and to make room upon the earth for honest men to live in.

When authors and critics talk of the sublime, they see not how nearly it borders on the ridiculous.

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

Every science has for its basis a system of principles as fixed and unalterable as those by which the universe is regulated and governed. Man cannot make principles he can only discover them.

That God cannot lie, is no advantage to your argument, because it is no proof that priests can not, or that the Bible does not.

I believe in one God and no more, and I hope for happiness beyond this life. 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.

The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly it is dearness only that gives everything its value. 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.