Thomas Paine

There ought, therefore, to be in every nation a method of occasionally ascertaining the state of public opinion with respect to government.

When a nation changes its opinion and habits of thinking, it is no longer to be governed as before; but it would not only be wrong, but bad policy, to attempt by force what ought to be accomplished by reason.

It is a great standing which they have now universally obtained; and we may hereafter hope to see revolutions, or changes in governments, produced with the same quiet operation by which any measure, determinable by reason and discussion…

Where these can have the opportunity of acting, opposition dies with fear, or crumbles away by conviction.

From both those instances it is evident, that the greatest forces that can be brought into the field of revolutions, are reason and common interest.

The time is not very distant when England will laugh at itself for sending to Holland, Hanover, Zell, or Brunswick for men, at the expense of a million a year, who understood neither her laws, her language, nor her interest, and whose…

The fraud, hypocrisy, and imposition of governments, are now beginning to be too well understood to promise them any long career.

If taxation be once let loose, it will be difficult to re-instate it; neither would the relief be so effectual, as if it proceeded by some certain and gradual reduction.

Like a secret told, they are beyond recall; and he must be blind indeed that does not see that a change is already beginning.

They are abroad in the world, and no force can stop them.

It is, however, easy to see, that as the nation proceeds in contemplating the nature and principles of government, and to understand taxes, and make comparisons between those of America, France, and England, it will be next to impossible…

Prop it as you please, it continually sinks into court government, and ever will.