Thomas Paine: “Great part of that order which reigns among mankind is not the effect of government.”

When men unite in agreeing that a thing is good, could it be obtained, such for instance as relief from a burden of taxes and the extinction of corruption, the object is more than half accomplished.

As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.

It is only those who have not thought that appear to agree.

If, therefore, the good to be obtained be worthy of a passive, rational, and costless revolution, it would be bad policy to prefer waiting for a calamity that should force a violent one.