In the turbulent landscape of the late eighteenth century, few voices resonated with the clarity, ferocity, and universal appeal of Thomas Paine, a man whose pen proved far mightier than the sword in the forge of democracy. Born in Thetford, England, in 1737 to a humble Quaker background, Paine’s early life was marked by a series of professional failures and personal hardships, struggles that would eventually fuel his profound empathy for the common man and his disdain for aristocratic privilege. It was not until his emigration to America in 1774, encouraged by Benjamin Franklin, that Paine found his true calling as the incendiary philosopher of the Atlantic Revolutions. He arrived in Philadelphia just as the tension between the colonies and the British Crown was reaching its breaking point, providing the perfect tinder for his intellectual spark.
Paine’s genius lay not in originating complex philosophical systems, but in democratizing the Enlightenment; he took the lofty ideas of Locke and Montesquieu and translated them into the vernacular of the shopkeeper and the farmer. His pamphlet *Common Sense*, published in January 1776, shattered the psychological bond between the colonists and King George III, arguing that independence was not merely a political necessity but a moral imperative mandated by the laws of nature. Unlike his contemporaries who wrote for the educated elite, Paine wrote for the masses, employing biblical imagery and undeniable logic to argue that an island could not rule a continent. Throughout the Revolutionary War, his series *The American Crisis* was read aloud to freezing soldiers at Valley Forge, bolstering morale during the darkest hours of the conflict with words that continue to echo through history.
Beyond the American struggle, Paine was a citizen of the world who carried his crusade for reason and rights to France, where he defended the French Revolution in *Rights of Man* against the conservative critiques of Edmund Burke. His later years were courted by controversy, particularly with the publication of *The Age of Reason*, a deistic text that challenged institutionalized religion and biblical inerrancy, leading to his ostracization by the very nation he helped found. Despite dying in obscurity and poverty in 1809, Thomas Paine remains the archetype of the radical intellectual, a fearless advocate who believed that government must be based on the consent of the governed and that the rights of humanity are universal, immutable, and sacred.
50 Popular Quotes from Thomas Paine
The Call for Liberty and Independence
"These are the times that try men's souls."
This opening line from *The American Crisis* is perhaps one of the most famous sentences in American literary history, written to inspire a disheartened army. Paine acknowledges that the struggle for freedom is not a casual endeavor but a profound test of character and resilience. By framing the conflict as a trial of the soul, he elevates the war from a political dispute to a spiritual and moral crucible. It serves as a timeless reminder that true conviction is proven not in times of comfort, but in moments of extreme adversity.
"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."
Paine posits that the value of an achievement is directly proportional to the difficulty of obtaining it, a sentiment meant to steel the resolve of the revolutionaries. He argues that things obtained too cheaply are often esteemed too lightly, suggesting that the immense struggle for independence will make the resulting liberty cherished all the more. This quote speaks to the human psychological need to earn one's rewards to fully appreciate them. It remains a powerful motivator for anyone facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
"Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered."
In this vivid comparison, Paine equates the oppressive rule of the British monarchy with the ultimate embodiment of evil and suffering. He warns his readers that the fight against such entrenched power will be grueling and requires a fortitude akin to battling infernal forces. By personifying tyranny as a tenacious enemy, he prepares the populace for a long, arduous war rather than a quick victory. It underlines the idea that systemic oppression is a beast that fights back with ferocity.
"Freedom has been hunted round the globe."
Paine presents a geopolitical analysis of liberty, suggesting that freedom is a fugitive that has been exiled from Africa and Asia and is being driven out of Europe. He positions America as the last refuge for this beleaguered ideal, adding a sense of global urgency to the colonial cause. This quote frames the American Revolution not just as a local secession, but as a preservation effort for the concept of liberty itself. It places a burden of historical responsibility on the colonists to protect what the rest of the world has lost.
"We have it in our power to begin the world over again."
This statement encapsulates the radical optimism and the revolutionary potential of the American experiment. Paine believes that the colonies are not bound by the dusty traditions and errors of the Old World, but possess a unique opportunity to construct a society based on reason and justice from scratch. It reflects the Enlightenment ideal of the *tabula rasa* applied to nation-building. This quote continues to inspire movements that seek systemic change rather than incremental reform.
"A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right."
Paine critiques the power of tradition and the danger of accepting the status quo simply because it has existed for a long time. He challenges the colonists to question the legitimacy of the monarchy, arguing that longevity does not equal morality or correctness. This insight into human psychology explains why oppressive systems persist; people mistake familiarity for propriety. It is a call to critical thinking and the re-evaluation of inherited beliefs.
"Independence is my happiness, and I view things as they are, without regard to place or person."
Here, Paine declares his personal allegiance to the concept of autonomy and objective truth, stripping away biases related to geography or social hierarchy. He asserts that his happiness is intrinsically linked to his freedom, making independence a personal necessity as well as a political one. The quote emphasizes the importance of intellectual honesty and the refusal to bow to authority figures merely due to their station. It portrays the mindset of a true free thinker.
"Whatever is my right as a man is also the right of another."
This assertion is a cornerstone of Paine’s egalitarian philosophy, establishing the principle of reciprocity in human rights. He argues that rights are not privileges to be hoarded by a select few but are universal attributes of humanity that must be mutually respected. If one claims a right for themselves, they are morally obligated to defend that same right for their neighbor. This concept lays the ethical groundwork for modern civil liberties and human rights law.
"He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from oppression."
Paine warns that allowing the government to violate the rights of unpopular individuals or enemies eventually endangers everyone. If a precedent of injustice is established against one, it can be weaponized against all, undermining the security of the entire society. This quote highlights the pragmatic necessity of universal justice, arguing that protecting the rights of others is actually an act of self-preservation. It is a profound defense of due process and the rule of law.
"Arms, as the last resource, decide this contest."
While Paine was a man of reason, he recognized that there comes a point where diplomacy fails and physical resistance becomes the only option for survival. He argues that the time for debate had passed and that the "appeal to heaven"—a euphemism for war—was now the only court remaining. This quote demonstrates his pragmatism; he does not glorify violence, but he accepts it as a necessary tool when all peaceful avenues for justice have been exhausted. It marks the shift from protest to revolution.
Government and the Social Contract
"Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil."
Paine draws a sharp distinction between society, which is produced by our wants and promotes happiness, and government, which is produced by our wickedness and restrains our vices. He views government not as a divine institution but as a tool required to maintain order among imperfect beings. This quote serves as a warning to always remain skeptical of state power and to keep it minimal. It is a foundational concept for classical liberal and libertarian thought.
"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."
Expanding on his previous point, Paine emphasizes that human association (society) is inherently positive and constructive, whereas the regulatory force of the state is a burden. When government becomes tyrannical ("its worst state"), it ceases to be a protector and becomes a predator, making life worse than it would be in a state of nature. This analysis strips the state of its majesty, reducing it to a utility that must justify its existence through service. It challenges the divine right of kings by positioning government as a servant, not a master.
"The trade of governing has always been monopolized by the most ignorant and the most rascally individuals of mankind."
Paine offers a scathing critique of the aristocracy and the hereditary ruling classes of Europe, whom he viewed as incompetent and corrupt. He argues that the skills required to navigate court intrigue are the opposite of the wisdom needed to govern a nation justly. This quote reflects his disdain for the idea that ruling is a birthright, advocating instead for a meritocratic system. It is a populist appeal to trust the common sense of the people over the "wisdom" of elites.
"A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody."
This principle attacks the concept of absolute power and lack of transparency in governance. Paine argues that accountability is the only check against corruption; without it, trust is impossible and tyranny is inevitable. It serves as a precursor to the democratic ideal of checks and balances. This quote reminds citizens that any authority that refuses to answer for its actions has forfeited its legitimacy.
"Laws that are not equal are not laws, but the commands of a tyrant."
Paine defines the legitimacy of law through the lens of equality; a statute that applies differently to the rich than to the poor, or to the ruler than to the ruled, is invalid. He asserts that the rule of law must be universal and blind to status, otherwise, it is merely the enforcement of the will of the strong over the weak. This quote strikes at the heart of legal privilege and class stratification. It demands that justice be a uniform standard, not a variable privilege.
"The rightful basis of government is the rights of man."
In this concise statement, Paine inverts the traditional power dynamic; government does not grant rights to the people, but rather, the pre-existing rights of the people are the foundation upon which government is built. Any government that fails to secure these natural rights loses its reason for existing. This philosophy aligns with the Declaration of Independence and shifts sovereignty from the crown to the individual. It is the core thesis of his work *Rights of Man*.
"A constitution is not the act of a government, but of a people constituting a government."
Paine clarifies the hierarchy of political authority: the people create the constitution, and the constitution creates the government. Therefore, the government is subject to the constitution and cannot alter it, for the creature cannot command the creator. This distinction prevents the state from defining the limits of its own power. It emphasizes the concept of popular sovereignty and the supreme authority of the citizenry.
"When I contemplate the natural dignity of man... I become irritated at the attempt to govern mankind by force and fraud."
Paine expresses a deep humanistic respect for the individual, believing that people are capable of reason and self-governance. He views authoritarian systems that rely on coercion (force) or mystification (fraud, such as the divine right of kings) as an insult to human potential. This emotional reaction fuels his political writing; it is an anger born of respect for his fellow man. It calls for a system of government that respects the intelligence and agency of its citizens.
"Man is not the enemy of man, but through the medium of a false system of government."
Paine argues that war and conflict are not inherent to human nature but are often manufactured by corrupt political systems that pit nations against one another for the benefit of rulers. He believes that if people were free to interact without the interference of monarchs, they would naturally gravitate toward peace and commerce. This quote absolves the common people of war-guilt, placing the blame squarely on the heads of state. It promotes a vision of international solidarity among the working classes.
"Of more worth is one honest man to society and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived."
Paine radically reevaluates social worth, placing the moral integrity of a common citizen above the pomp and power of kings. He uses the term "crowned ruffians" to strip away the glamour of royalty, revealing them as glorified thugs. This quote champions the dignity of the ordinary individual and challenges the social hierarchy of the 18th century. It suggests that true nobility comes from character, not lineage.
Reason, Religion, and Philosophy
"My own mind is my own church."
In this famous declaration from *The Age of Reason*, Paine asserts his spiritual independence and rejects the authority of organized religious institutions. He claims that the individual conscience and intellect are the only necessary intermediaries between a person and the divine. This promotes a personalized, deistic worldview where reason replaces dogma. It is a powerful affirmation of intellectual freedom and the sanctity of personal belief.
"To argue with a man who has renounced the use and authority of reason... is like administering medicine to the dead."
Paine expresses frustration with those who cling to blind faith or dogma in the face of logical evidence. He suggests that once a person abandons rationality, they become unreachable and impervious to truth, making debate futile. This quote highlights the importance of shared epistemological standards in discourse. It serves as a warning against the dangers of fanaticism and anti-intellectualism.
"I believe in one God, and no more; and I hope for happiness beyond this life."
This summary of Paine's creed identifies him as a Deist—someone who believes in a Creator but rejects the specific theologies of revealed religions like Christianity, Judaism, or Islam. He affirms a belief in a higher power and an afterlife but strips away the rituals, scriptures, and hierarchies associated with the church. It reflects the Enlightenment desire to simplify religion to its rational core. This statement was meant to clarify his position against accusations of atheism.
"The most formidable weapon against errors of every kind is reason."
Paine champions reason as the ultimate tool for human advancement, capable of dismantling political tyranny and religious superstition alike. He believes that error cannot survive the light of critical inquiry, and therefore, the free exercise of the mind is the greatest threat to falsehood. This quote embodies the optimism of the Enlightenment—the belief that humanity can think its way out of darkness. It advocates for education and open debate as the pathways to progress.
"Infidelity does not consist in believing, or in disbelieving; it consists in professing to believe what he does not believe."
Paine redefines the sin of infidelity not as a lack of faith, but as a lack of honesty. He argues that true immorality lies in hypocrisy—pretending to accept doctrines one privately doubts in order to conform to social pressure. This definition prioritizes integrity and authenticity over doctrinal purity. It challenges the reader to align their public professions with their private convictions.
"The Word of God is the creation we behold."
For Paine, the only true "scripture" that cannot be forged or altered by man is the natural universe itself. He argues that by studying the laws of science and nature, one learns the true character of the Creator, rather than reading ancient texts subject to mistranslation and manipulation. This perspective elevates science to a form of theology. It encourages the study of the natural world as a path to spiritual enlightenment.
"Reason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it."
Paine contrasts the autonomy of the rational mind with the servility of the ignorant mind. The thinking person follows the internal logic of their own conclusions, while the unthinking person becomes a vessel for the commands of others. This quote serves as a call to intellectual self-reliance. It suggests that the refusal to think for oneself is a form of slavery.
"Any system of religion that has any thing in it that shocks the mind of a child, cannot be a true system."
Paine uses the innocence and intuitive morality of a child as a litmus test for religious truth. He argues that if a doctrine (such as eternal damnation or inherited sin) seems cruel or nonsensical to an uncorrupted mind, it likely stems from human error rather than divine wisdom. This appeals to the natural moral sense inherent in humanity. It suggests that truth should be simple, beautiful, and self-evident.
"It is the duty of every man, as far as his ability extends, to detect and expose delusion and error."
Paine frames intellectual critique not just as a right, but as a civic and moral duty. He believes that allowing falsehoods to stand unchallenged harms society, and therefore, those who see the truth are obligated to speak it. This quote justifies his own controversial writings as acts of service. It encourages active engagement in the marketplace of ideas.
"Mystery is the antagonist of truth. It is a fog of human invention, that obscures truth, and represents it in distortion."
Paine attacks the use of "mystery" in religion and politics, viewing it as a tool used by elites to confuse and control the masses. He believes that truth is naturally clear and that complexity is often manufactured to hide deceit. This quote advocates for transparency and simplicity. It warns against trusting anything that claims to be too profound to be understood by reason.
Humanity, Justice, and Society
"The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion."
This is perhaps Paine’s most beautiful summation of his cosmopolitan humanism. He rejects national borders and sectarian divisions, declaring his allegiance to the human race as a whole. It redefines religion from a set of beliefs to a set of actions focused on benevolence. This quote continues to be a rallying cry for internationalists and humanitarians.
"When it shall be said in any country in the world, my poor are happy; neither ignorance nor distress is to be found among them... then may that country boast its constitution and its government."
Paine sets a high bar for national success, measuring the greatness of a nation not by its wealth or military power, but by the well-being of its most vulnerable citizens. He argues that the elimination of poverty and ignorance is the true test of a government's legitimacy. This anticipates the modern welfare state and social democracy. It challenges leaders to look at the bottom of society to judge their achievements.
"Justice is the only line that divides the innocent from the guilty."
Paine emphasizes that the administration of justice must be objective and based solely on facts, not on social standing or political convenience. Without the strict adherence to justice, the distinction between innocence and guilt blurs, leading to chaos and tyranny. This quote underscores the importance of a fair judicial system. It serves as a reminder that justice is the boundary that protects civil society.
"He that is not open to conviction, is not a man."
Paine suggests that the willingness to change one's mind in the face of new evidence is a defining characteristic of humanity and maturity. Stubbornness is not strength; it is a limitation that reduces one's capacity for growth. This quote values intellectual flexibility and humility. It encourages dialogue and the constant re-evaluation of one's beliefs.
"Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice."
Paine distinguishes between how one behaves and what one believes; one should be calm in demeanor but radical in their commitment to truth. Compromising on fundamental principles (like liberty or justice) is not balance, it is moral failure. This quote challenges the idea that the "middle ground" is always the correct position. It advocates for unwavering dedication to core values.
"A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be."
Paine rejects mediocrity in social and political progress, arguing that settling for "good enough" prevents the achievement of the "best." He urges constant improvement and reform, refusing to be satisfied with partial justice. This quote reflects his revolutionary spirit, which sought total transformation rather than minor adjustments. It is a call to pursue excellence and the ideal.
"It is not a field of a few acres of ground, but a cause, that we are defending."
Paine reminds the American revolutionaries that their fight is about abstract principles—liberty, self-governance, dignity—not just territorial disputes. By elevating the conflict to the realm of ideas, he imbues the physical struggle with transcendent meaning. This quote helps explain why people are willing to die for concepts. It suggests that the legacy of the cause matters more than the material gain.
"The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection."
Paine outlines a stoic ideal of masculinity and character, where adversity serves as a catalyst for growth rather than a source of despair. He suggests that true courage is an intellectual process ("reflection") as much as an emotional one. This quote offers personal advice on resilience. It portrays the revolutionary as a person of deep inner strength.
"Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us."
Paine draws a distinction between public perception (reputation) and inner reality (character). He advises focusing on the integrity of one's soul rather than the applause of the crowd, as the latter is fickle while the former is eternal. This quote speaks to the importance of conscience over popularity. It is a reminder to live authentically.
"Whatever is my right as a man is also the right of another."
(Note: While similar to a previous quote, this variation emphasizes the universality of the claim). Paine reiterates that rights are not a zero-sum game; acknowledging the rights of others does not diminish one's own, but secures them. It is the fundamental logic of solidarity. This quote destroys the basis for discrimination or slavery.
War, Courage, and The Crisis
"I love the man that can smile in trouble."
Paine expresses admiration for the specific quality of cheerfulness under pressure. He believes that panic is contagious, but so is confidence; the ability to maintain composure inspires those around you. This quote is a leadership lesson, suggesting that morale is a weapon of war. It values emotional stability in the face of chaos.
"Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it."
Paine writes with an eye toward history, framing the current actions of the colonists as a legacy for future generations. He emphasizes the unity ("city and country") born of necessity and the stark conditions of the struggle. This quote is meant to shame the cowardly and embolden the brave by invoking the judgment of posterity. It captures the desperate heroism of the revolutionary moment.
"Whatever we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value."
Paine applies basic economic theory to moral values; the high cost of freedom (war, death, suffering) is what makes it precious. If liberty were given by a benevolent king, it would not be cherished as deeply as liberty wrestled from a tyrant. This quote rationalizes the suffering of the war as a necessary investment in the future value of the nation. It turns pain into a price worth paying.
"Not a place upon earth might be so happy as America."
Paine offers a vision of American exceptionalism based on its isolation from European conflicts and its abundance of resources. He believes that if America can secure its independence and establish a just government, it has the potential for unparalleled prosperity. This quote serves as the "carrot" to the "stick" of British tyranny. It paints a picture of the utopia that awaits on the other side of the war.
"By perseverance and fortitude we have the prospect of a glorious issue."
Paine preaches the virtues of endurance, assuring his readers that the outcome ("issue") will be positive if they simply do not quit. He links the quality of the result directly to the quality of the effort. This quote is a classic exhortation to grit and determination. It suggests that victory is a matter of will.
"I thank God that I fear not. I see no real cause for fear."
Paine projects a personal fearlessness, grounded in his rational assessment of the situation and his belief in the justice of his cause. By declaring his lack of fear, he hopes to assuage the anxieties of his readers. This quote demonstrates the power of a leader's mindset to influence the collective. It suggests that fear is often an irrational reaction to solvable problems.
"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace."
This is one of Paine’s most poignant arguments for fighting the war *now* rather than delaying it. He argues that passing the conflict down to the next generation is an act of cowardice; a good parent takes on the burden so their children don't have to. This quote appeals to the protective instincts of parents. It reframes the war as an act of love for the future.
"War involves in its progress such a train of unforeseen and unsupposed circumstances that no human wisdom can calculate the end."
Paine acknowledges the chaos theory of warfare; once started, it takes on a life of its own that defies prediction. He warns against arrogance in military planning, urging flexibility and caution. This quote reflects a realistic understanding of the complexity of conflict. It serves as a check against the enthusiasm of warmongers.
"The sun never shined on a cause of greater worth."
Paine uses hyperbolic imagery to elevate the American Revolution above all previous historical events. He believes that this is not just a tax revolt, but the dawn of a new era for humanity. This quote imbues the soldiers with a sense of cosmic importance. It asserts that the eyes of the universe are upon them.
"Show your faith by your works."
Borrowing from the Epistle of James, Paine secularizes this biblical command to urge citizens to support the revolution with action, not just sentiment. He argues that believing in independence is useless without the material support (money, fighting) to achieve it. This quote demands tangible commitment. It rejects passive support as insufficient.
The Legacy of the Radical Democrat
Thomas Paine’s life ended in tragic irony; the man who articulated the soul of the American Revolution died a pariah, scorned for his attacks on organized religion and his unyielding radicalism. Only six people attended his funeral, a stark contrast to the thousands of soldiers who had once marched to the rhythm of his words. However, history has vindicated Paine as one of the most essential figures of the Enlightenment. His ability to distill complex political philosophy into "common sense" fundamentally altered the relationship between the government and the governed. He was the first to envision a world where hereditary monarchy was obsolete, where social security was a right, and where the mind was free from the shackles of dogma.
Today, Paine’s fingerprints are visible on modern democracies across the globe. His arguments for human rights, secularism, and social welfare prefigured the values of the 20th and 21st centuries by nearly two hundred years. He teaches us that the highest office in a free country is that of the private citizen and that the price of liberty is eternal vigilance and the courage to speak truth to power. As we navigate our own times that "try men's souls," Paine’s voice remains a beacon of rational hope, reminding us that we always have it in our power to begin the world over again.
**What are your thoughts on Thomas Paine’s philosophy? Do you believe his ideas on government and religion are still relevant today? Share your insights in the comments below!**
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Benjamin Franklin: The First American
As Paine’s mentor and the man who urged him to move to America, Franklin shares Paine’s practical wisdom and Enlightenment values. His wit, scientific curiosity, and dedication to civic improvement make him a kindred spirit, though Franklin often operated with a diplomatic subtlety that Paine eschewed for fiery directness.
Thomas Jefferson: The Pen of Independence
Jefferson and Paine were ideological allies who shared a deep belief in natural rights and republicanism. While Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, it was Paine who prepared the public mind to accept it. Reading Jefferson provides the legal and political framework that complements Paine’s revolutionary agitation.
Voltaire: The Wit of the Enlightenment
Across the Atlantic, Voltaire was waging a similar war against religious intolerance and judicial injustice. Like Paine, Voltaire used wit, satire, and reason to challenge the established order of church and state. His advocacy for civil liberties and freedom of speech mirrors Paine’s struggles in the Anglo-American world.