Thomas Paine Quotes

These are the times that try men's souls.

Discovering the context

This quote emphasizes that challenging or difficult times test the strength, resilience, and character of individuals, specifically men.

Every science has for its basis a system of principles as fixed and unalterable as those by which the universe is regulated and governed. Man cannot make principles; he can only discover them.

My country is the world, and my religion is to do ... -Thomas Paine

My country is the world, and my religion is to do good.

Reputation is what men and women think of us; char... -Thomas Paine

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

All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit.

The instant formal government is abolished, society begins to act. A general association takes place, and common interest produces common security.

We have it in our power to begin the world over ag... -Thomas Paine

We have it in our power to begin the world over again.

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

I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. '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.

He that rebels against reason is a real rebel, but he that in defence of reason rebels against tyranny has a better title to Defender of the Faith, than George the Third.

The World is my country, all mankind are my brethr... -Thomas Paine

The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.

Discovering the context

The quote reflects a sense of global citizenship and universal brotherhood. It emphasizes a personal commitment to act with kindness, empathy, and compassion towards all individuals, regardless of cultural or societal divisions. It suggests that the pursuit of doing good and promoting positive change is one's ultimate spiritual devotion.

Those who want to reap the benefits of this great ... -Thomas Paine

Those who want to reap the benefits of this great nation must bear the fatigue of supporting it.

Any system of religion that has anything in it tha... -Thomas Paine

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

I prefer peace. But if trouble must come, let it come in my time, so that my children can live in peace.

It is not a God, just and good, but a devil, under... -Thomas Paine

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

It is necessary to the happiness of man that he be mentally faithful to himself. Infidelity does not consist in believing, or in disbelieving, it consists in professing to believe what he does not believe.

A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives i... -Thomas Paine

A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right.

'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.

When men yield up the privilege of thinking, the l... -Thomas Paine

When men yield up the privilege of thinking, the last shadow of liberty quits the horizon.

The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength f... -Thomas Paine

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

An army of principles can penetrate where an army ... -Thomas Paine

An army of principles can penetrate where an army of soldiers cannot.

Discovering the context

The quote suggests that a steadfast adherence to principles and values can achieve more than a physical force or military intervention. It implies that the power of ideas, convictions, and moral principles can bring about transformative change and resolve conflicts. It conveys the significance of nonviolent means in achieving peace.

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.