In a general view, there are few conquests that repay the charge of making them, and mankind are pretty well convinced that it can never be worth their while to go to war for profit's sake.
From "The American Crisis," Paine argues against the economic viability of war and conquest.
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To account for this sudden transition, it is proper to observe that there are two distinct species of popularity; the one excited by merit, and the other by resentment.
It was become evident, that no constitution, worthy of being called by that name, could be established on anything less than a national ground.
When it becomes necessary to do anything, the whole heart and soul should go into the measure, or not attempt it.
The American constitutions were to liberty what a grammar is to language: they define its parts of speech, and practically construct them into syntax.