But such is the irresistable nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants is the liberty of appearing. Thomas Paine on nature
If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace. Thomas Paine on peace
I prefer peace. But if trouble must come, let it come in my time, so that my children can live in peace. Thomas Paine on peace
'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 on politics
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 on power
We have it in our power to begin the world over again. Thomas Paine on power
The strength and power of despotism consists wholly in the fear of resistance. Thomas Paine on power
The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion. Thomas Paine on religion
Any system of religion that has anything in it that shocks the mind of a child, cannot be true. Thomas Paine on religion
Persecution is not an original feature in any religion but it is always the strongly marked feature of all religions established by law. Thomas Paine on religion
Every religion is good that teaches man to be good and I know of none that instructs him to be bad. Thomas Paine on religion
My country is the world, and my religion is to do good. Thomas Paine on religion
Is it not a species of blasphemy to call the New Testament revealed religion, when we see in it such contradictions and absurdities. Thomas Paine on religion
Of all the tyrannies that affect mankind, tyranny in religion is the worst. Thomas Paine on religion
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 on science
The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection. Thomas Paine on smile
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 on smile
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. Thomas Paine on society
The instant formal government is abolished, society begins to act. A general association takes place, and common interest produces common security. Thomas Paine on society
Suspicion is the companion of mean souls, and the bane of all good society. Thomas Paine on society