When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is not hereditary. – Thomas Paine
Is it not a species of blasphemy to call the New Testament revealed religion, when we see in it such contradictions and absurdities. – Thomas Paine
War involves in its progress such a train of unforeseen circumstances that no human wisdom can calculate the end; it has but one thing certain, and that is to increase taxes. – Thomas Paine
The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection. – Thomas Paine
Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice. – Thomas Paine
Any system of religion that has anything in it that shocks the mind of a child, cannot be true. – Thomas Paine
Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one. – Thomas Paine
Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us. – Thomas Paine
The abilities of man must fall short on one side or the other, like too scanty a blanket when you are abed. If you pull it upon your shoulders, your feet are left bare; if you thrust it down to your feet, your shoulders are uncovered. – Thomas Paine
But such is the irresistable nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants is the liberty of appearing. – Thomas Paine
It is not a God, just and good, but a devil, under the name of God, that the Bible describes. – Thomas Paine
There are matters in the Bible, said to be done by the express commandment of God, that are shocking to humanity and to every idea we have of moral justice. – Thomas Paine
Arms discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as well as property… Horrid mischief would ensue were the law-abiding deprived of the use of them. – Thomas Paine
A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right. – Thomas Paine
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it. – Thomas Paine