On the recordJanuary 1, 1776
Not an ability ought now to sleep, that can produce but a mite to the general good, nor even a whisper to pass that militates against it.
Said by
Thomas Paine
Source
gutenberg.orgThomas Paine: “Not an ability ought now to sleep, that can produce but a mite to the general good, nor even a whisper to pass that…”
Editor's note · Context
Written during the American Revolution, this passage emphasizes the need for every individual to contribute to the common good and avoid undermining the cause.
Share
More from Thomas Paine
Jan 1, 1791
There ought, therefore, to be in every nation a method of occasionally ascertaining the state of public opinion with respect to government.
Jan 1, 1791
The object, in all such preliminary proceedings, is to find out what the general sense of a nation is, and to be governed by it.
Jan 1, 1791
But where genuine principles of liberty pervade a people, every thing is restored to order; and the soldier civilly treated, returns the civility.
Jan 1, 1791
As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.