More Quotes by Thomas Paine
A constitution defines and limits the powers of the government it creates. It therefore follows, as a natural and also a logical result, that the governmental exercise of any power not authorized by the constitution is an assumed power, and therefore illegal.
The greatest tyrannies are always perpetuated in the name of the noblest causes.
Ye that dare oppose, not only tyranny, but the tyrant, stand forth!
Men who look upon themselves born to reign, and others to obey, soon grow insolent; selected from the rest of mankind their minds are early poisoned by importance; and the world they act in differs so materially from the world at large, that they have but little opportunity of knowing its true interests, and when they succeed to the government are frequently the most ignorant and unfit of any throughout the dominions.
It is not in numbers, but in unity, that our great strength lies.
The slavery of fear had made men afraid to think.
These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it NOW, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.
I prefer peace. But if trouble must come, let it come in my time, so that my children can live in peace.
The trade of governing has always been monopolized by the most ignorant and the most rascally individuals of mankind.
It is the duty of every man, as far as his ability extends, to detect and expose delusion and error.
