773 Quotes by Thomas Paine

Every age and generation must be as free to act for itself in all cases as the ages and generations which preceded it. The vanity of governing beyond the grave is the most ridiculous and insolent of all tyrannies.

Men did not make the earth... It is the value of the improvements only, and not the earth itself, that is individual property. ... Every proprietor owes to the community a ground rent for the land which he holds.

It is necessary to the contentment of man that he be mentally faithful to himself.

The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress and grows brave by reflection.

Suspicion and persecution are weeds of the same dunghill, and flourish best together.

He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach himself.

When information is withheld, ignorance becomes a reasonable excuse. They see not, therefore they feel not.

Reason obeys itself, and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it.