Thomas Paine Quotes

A collection of quotes by Thomas Paine.

Thomas Paine was an influential writer and political philosopher who played a significant role in the American and French Revolutions. Born in Thetford, England, in 1737, Paine developed a reputation as a radical thinker and writer during the 18th century.

In 1774, Paine emigrated to the American colonies and became an enthusiastic supporter of the independence movement. He published his most famous work, "Common Sense," in 1776, advocating for the colonies to break free from British rule. This pamphlet had a profound impact on the American Revolution, widely read and helping to galvanize public support for independence.

Inspired by the success of the American Revolution, Paine later traveled to France in 1790. There, he became involved in the French Revolution, publishing "Rights of Man" in 1791, a rebuttal to conservative criticisms of the revolution. His writings had a significant influence on the development of republican thought in both America and France.

Despite his early successes, Paine fell out of favor during the Reign of Terror in France and faced imprisonment upon his return to England. However, he continued to write political works, including "The Age of Reason," which espoused his secular and skeptical views on religion.

Thomas Paine remains an important figure in the history of political thought, remembered for his impassioned writings in support of democracy, human rights, and individual liberty. He passed away in 1809, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual activism that continues to inspire political thinkers today.

Reputation is what men and women think of us character is wh

Reputation is what men and women think of us character is what God and angels know of us.

Every religion is good that teaches man to be good; and I kn

Every religion is good that teaches man to be good; and I know of none that instructs him to be bad.

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, lik

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it.

Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is w

Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.

I believe in one God, and no more; and I hope for happiness

I believe in one God, and no more; and I hope for happiness beyond this life. I believe the equality of man; and I believe that religious duties consists in doing justice, loving mercy, and endeavoring to make our fellow-creatures happy.

Life Happiness Equality Man

That which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly.

That which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly.

Esteem Which Obtain Too Lightly

What more does man want to know than that the hand or power

What more does man want to know than that the hand or power that made these things is divine, is omnipotent? Let him believe this with the force it is impossible to repel, if he permits his reason to act, and his rule of moral life will follow of course.

Life Power Man Rules Force

Let them call me a rebel and welcome. I feel no concern from

Let them call me a rebel and welcome. I feel no concern from it. But should I suffer the misery of devils, were I to make a whore of my soul.

Politics Inspirational

Is it more probable that nature should go out of her course

Is it more probable that nature should go out of her course or that a man should tell a lie? We have never seen, in our time, nature go out of her course. But we have good reason to believe that millions of lies have been told in the same time. It is therefore at least millions to one that the reporter of a miracle tells a lie.

Religion Science Miracles Skepticism

That which is now called natural philosophy, embracing the w

That which is now called natural philosophy, embracing the whole circle of science, of which astronomy occupies the chief place, is the study of the works of God, and of the power and wisdom of God in his works, and is the true theology.

Wisdom Life Work Power Science Philosophy Places Circles

There is scarcely any part of science or any thing in nature

There is scarcely any part of science or any thing in nature, which those impostors and blasphemers of science, called priests, as well as Christians and Jews, have not, at some time or other, perverted, or sought to pervert to the purpose of superst

Nature Religion Science

'Tis the business of little minds to shrink but he whose hea

'Tis the business of little minds to shrink but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.

Business

But such is the irresistable nature of truth, that all it as

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

Truth Nature

The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

Motivational

Everything that is right or natural pleads for separation. T

Everything that is right or natural pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, 'Tis time to part.

Democracy

...the true greatness of a nation is founded on principles o

...the true greatness of a nation is founded on principles of humanity.

Humanity

Society in every state is a blessing, but government, even i

Society in every state is a blessing, but government, even in its best stage, is but a necessary evil in its worst state an intolerable one.

Best Government Society

The strength and power of despotism consists wholly in the f

The strength and power of despotism consists wholly in the fear of resistance.

Fear Power Strength

It is not a God, just and good, but a devil, under the name

It is not a God, just and good, but a devil, under the name of God, that the Bible describes.

God Good

Any system of religion that has anything in it that shocks t

Any system of religion that has anything in it that shocks the mind of a child, cannot be true.

Religion