Thomas Paine
Pamphleteer and revolutionary (1737 to 1809), born in Norfolk, England; author of Common Sense, a central text behind the call for American independence, and Rights of Man.
Thomas Paine did not write this page.
We collected these quotes from things they published elsewhere, and every quote links to where it was said. They have no account here and have not endorsed this site. Quotes are word for word; the short line under each one is our own restatement, not their wording. Their own site. Is this you? Claim it or ask us to remove it. Or tell us what is wrong here.
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Our reading
Tyranny is not easily conquered, but the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph
Their wordsTyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.
↗The American Crisis, No. I (1776)gutenberg.org 1st of 2 in this piece
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Their wordsWhat we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.
↗The American Crisis, No. I (1776)gutenberg.org 2nd of 2 in this piece
- 10 months earlier
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Our reading
Their wordsTime makes more converts than reason.
↗Common Sense (new edition, 1776)gutenberg.org 1st of 6 in this piece
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Their wordsSociety in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one; for when we suffer, or are exposed to the same miseries by a government, which we might expect in a country without government, our calamity is heightened by reflecting that we furnish the means by which we suffer.
↗Common Sense (new edition, 1776)gutenberg.org 2nd of 6 in this piece
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Their wordsOf more worth is one honest man to society and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived.
↗Common Sense (new edition, 1776)gutenberg.org 3rd of 6 in this piece
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Their wordsEvery thing that is right or natural pleads for separation.
↗Common Sense (new edition, 1776)gutenberg.org 4th of 6 in this piece
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Their wordsFor as in absolute governments the King is law, so in free countries the law ought to be King; and there ought to be no other.
↗Common Sense (new edition, 1776)gutenberg.org 5th of 6 in this piece
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Their wordsWe have it in our power to begin the world over again.
↗Common Sense (new edition, 1776)gutenberg.org 6th of 6 in this piece
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