A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right. Thomas Paine
He that would make his own liberty secure must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself. Thomas Paine
The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection. Thomas Paine
A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue, but moderation in principle is always a vice. Thomas Paine
Every national church or religion has established itself by pretending some special mission from God – as if the way to God was not open to every man alike. Thomas Paine
Independence is my happiness, and I view things as they are, without regard to place or person; my country is the world, and my religion is to do good. Thomas Paine
Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us. Thomas Paine
Suspicion is the companion of mean souls, and the bane of all good society. Thomas Paine
The contrast of affluence and wretchedness, continually meeting and offending the eye, is like the dead and living bodies, chained together. Thomas Paine
Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice. Thomas Paine
The Bible is a book that has been read more and examined less than any book that ever existed. Thomas Paine
When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is not hereditary. Thomas Paine