Quotes from Common Sense
17 notable lines from Thomas Paine · 1776
These are the times that try men's souls.
Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil.
Thomas Paine, Common Sense Society in every state is a blessing, but Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one.
Of the Origin and Design of Government in General We have it in our power to begin the world over again.
Appendix But where, says some, is the King of America? I'll tell you, friend, he reigns above, and doth not make havoc of mankind like the Royal Brute of Britain. Yet that we may not appear to be defective even in earthly honours, let a crown be placed thereon, by which the world may know, that so far as we approve of monarchy, that in America THE LAW IS KING.
Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind.
Thomas Paine, Common Sense In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense.
Introduction There is something very absurd, in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island.
Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs Every thing that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, 'TIS TIME TO PART.
Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs The birthday of a new world is at hand.
Appendix Of more worth is one honest man to society, and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived.
Of Monarchy and Hereditary Succession For all men being originally equals, no one by birth could have a right to set up his own family in perpetual preference to all others for ever.
Of Monarchy and Hereditary Succession Time makes more converts than reason.
Introduction O ye that love mankind! Ye that dare oppose, not only the tyranny, but the tyrant, stand forth!
Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs Government, like dress, is the badge of lost innocence; the palaces of kings are built upon the ruins of the bowers of paradise.
Of the Origin and Design of Government in General Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices.
Of the Origin and Design of Government in General One of the strongest natural proofs of the folly of hereditary right in Kings, is, that nature disapproves it, otherwise she would not so frequently turn it into ridicule, by giving mankind an ASS FOR A LION.
Of Monarchy and Hereditary Succession