The 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.

We can only reason from what is; we can reason on actualities, but not on possibilities.
- Philosophy
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 a species of vice.
Letter to the Addressers (1792)
- Virtue
The greatest remedy for anger is delay.
- Anger
Virtues are acquired through endeavor, Which rests wholly upon yourself. So, to praise others for their virtues can but encourage one’s own efforts.
- Virtue
Character is much easier kept than recovered.
The American Crisis (1776), No. XIII
- Virtue
From such beginnings of governments, what could be expected, but a continual system of war and extortion?
- Government
The Vatican is a dagger in the heart of Italy.
- Christianity
I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.
The American Crisis (1776–1783), The Crisis No. I
‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.
The American Crisis (1776–1783), The Crisis No. I
The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly. ‘Tis dearness only that gives everything its value.
In: Rowena Holloway Pray it Forward: Daily Meditations, iUniverse, 1 August 2007, p. 166.
- Success
We have it in our power to begin the world over again.
Common Sense (1776)In context
- Time
Men did not make the earth… It is the value of the improvements only, and not the earth itself, that is individual property… Every proprietor owes to the community a ground rent for the land which he holds.
Agrarian Justice (1797), Agrarian Justice
- Economics
I have no wish to believe on that subject.
Last words (June 1809), as quoted in Thomas Paine’s Rights of Man, by Christopher Hitchens (Grove Press, 2008), p. 140
- Faith
It is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from inquiry.
Letter to the Addressers (1792)
- Truth & Lies
He who dares not offend cannot be honest.
“The Forester’s Letters”, Letter III: To Cato, Pennsylvania Journal (24 April 1776)
- Courage
- Truth & Lies

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