Thomas Paine

It might be said, that until men think for themselves the whole is prejudice, and not opinion; for that only is opinion which is the result of reason and reflection.

On all such subjects men have but to think, and they will neither act wrong nor be misled.

In fine, society performs for itself almost everything which is ascribed to government.

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

The independence of America, considered merely as a separation from England, would have been a matter but of little importance, had it not been accompanied by a revolution in the principles and practice of governments.

She made a stand, not for herself only, but for the world, and looked beyond the advantages herself could receive.

If, from the more wretched parts of the old world, we look at those which are in an advanced stage of improvement we still find the greedy hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry, and grasping the…

Invention is continually exercised to furnish new pretences for revenue and taxation.

If systems of government can be introduced less expensive and more productive of general happiness than those which have existed, all attempts to oppose their progress will in the end be fruitless.

Reason, like time, will make its own way, and prejudice will fall in a combat with interest.

An hereditary governor is as inconsistent as an hereditary author.

Whatever the apparent cause of any riots may be, the real one is always want of happiness.