A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right.
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.
Thomas Paine

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.
Thomas Paine

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

Any system of religion that has anything in it that shocks the mind of a child, cannot be true.
Thomas Paine

Arms discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as well as property... Horrid mischief would ensue were the law-abiding deprived of the use of them.
Thomas Paine

Belief in a cruel God makes a cruel man.
Thomas Paine

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

Character is much easier kept than recovered.
Thomas Paine

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


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.
Thomas Paine

Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.
Thomas Paine

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.
Thomas Paine

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.
Thomas Paine

He who is the author of a war lets loose the whole contagion of hell and opens a vein that bleeds a nation to death.
Thomas Paine

Human nature is not of itself vicious.
Thomas Paine

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.
Thomas Paine

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.
Thomas Paine

I prefer peace. But if trouble must come, let it come in my time, so that my children can live in peace.
Thomas Paine

If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.
Thomas Paine