Thomas Paine1737–1809The quotations of
Thomas Paine
American Founding Father, philosopher, and political activist
1737–1809
49 quotes, most often on America, Freedom and Truth & Lies. Part of the Founding Fathers collection.
- As quoted in The Crisis No. IV (12 September 1777)
- First Principles of Government (1795)
- “The Crisis” (written 19 December 1776, published 23 December 1776), no. 1, in Moncure D. Conway, ed., The Writings of Thomas Paine (1894), vol. 1, p. 170.
Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.
Common Sense (January 10, 1776)In context- “The Crisis” (written 19 December 1776, published 23 December 1776), no. 1, in Moncure D. Conway, ed., The Writings of Thomas Paine (1894), vol. 1, p. 170.
- The Age of Reason (1794), Part I (1794), 1. The Author’s Profession of Faith
Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.
Reported in Hialmer Day Gould and Edward Louis Hessenmueller, Best Thoughts of Best Thinkers (1904), p. 429.- The Age of Reason, Part I (1793).
- Rights of Man, Part II (1792), Introduction
When men yield up the privilege of thinking, the last shadow of liberty quits the horizon.
“Reflections on Titles”, Pennsylvania Magazine (May, 1775)A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right.
Common Sense by Thomas Paine.In context- Common Sense, First published 10 January 1776, the most commonly reproduced edition is the third, published on 14 February 1776In context
Often credited to Thomas Paine
Quotes often credited to Thomas Paine that were said or written by someone else.
John L. O'Sullivan1813–1895Often credited to Thomas Paine
George S. Patton1885–1945Often credited to Thomas Paine
Havelock Ellis1859–1939Often credited to Thomas Paine
