Quotes by 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.

Suspicion is the companion of mean souls, and the bane of all good society.

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

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.

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.

Of all the tyrannies that affect mankind, tyranny in religion is the worst.

Is it not a species of blasphemy to call the New Testament revealed religion, when we see in it such contradictions and absurdities.

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

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

Persecution is not an original feature in any religion but it is always the strongly marked feature of all religions established by law.