Thomas Paine

It is not in the power of Britain or of Europe to conquer America, if she do not conquer herself by delay and disunion.

The greatest part of the world are born to poverty and wretchedness, not for want of abilities in themselves, but from the want of opportunities to exert them.

The true and proper remedy is to make the great mass of society, of all classes, their own legislators, by giving them a direct and equal representation.

The present state of civilization is as odious as it is unjust.

It is not the country that makes the man, but the man that makes the country.

Government is no farther necessary than to supply the few cases to which society and civilization are not conveniently competent.

The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion. I believe in one God, and no more.

The greatest services that can be rendered unto mankind are those which promote the general good.

Man has no property in the earth; but a right to the produce of it.

The sun never shined on a cause of greater moment.

A republic is government of right, and not of might.

The strength of a nation dependeth not on the number of its inhabitants but on the spirit that animates them.

It is impossible for us to suppose that a God, who is just, can be the author of a religion which is not just.

The independence of America, considered merely as a commercial object, is an object of no inconsiderable magnitude.

A nation has not to seek for a government, but to form one.

The more perfect civilization is, the less occasion has it for government, because the more does it regulate its own affairs, and govern itself.

The power of God is the first cause, and the power of man is the second cause; neither can exist without the other.

It is not a change of Ministers, but a change of system, that is wanted.

The only religion that can stand the test of time is that which is founded on the immutable principles of good and evil.

Reason, and not habit, is the governor of a people.