Thomas Paine on Common Sense

"A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right."

Common Sense, 1776, Introduction

"Government even in its best state is but a necessary evil."

Common Sense, 1776, "Of the origin and design of government in general, with concise remarks on the English Constitution."

"The strength of one man is so unequal to his wants, and his mind so unfitted for perpetual solitude, that he is soon obliged to seek assistance and relief of another"

Common Sense, 1776, "Of the origin and design of government in general, with concise remarks on the English Constitution."

"Nothing but heaven is impregnable to vice."

Common Sense, 1776, "Of the origin and design of government in general, with concise remarks on the English Constitution."

"Oppression is often the consequence, but seldom or never the means of riches; and though avarice will preserve a man from being necessitously poor, it generally makes him too timorous to be wealthy."

Common Sense, 1776, "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"

Common Sense, 1776, "Of monarchy and hereditary succession."

"Of more worth is one honest man to society and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that every lived."

Common Sense, 1776, "Of monarchy and hereditary succession."

"Youth is the seed time of good habits, as well in nations as in individuals."

Common Sense, 1776, "Of the present ability of America, with some miscellaneous reflexions."

"As to religion, I hold it to be the indispensable duty of all government, to protect all conscientious professors thereof, and I know of no other business which government hath to do therewith."

Common Sense, 1776, "Of the present ability of America, with some miscellaneous reflexions."

"Suspicion is the companion of mean souls, and the bane of all good society."

Common Sense, 1776, "Of the present ability of America, with some miscellaneous reflexions."

"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 their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of men and women."

The Crisis, 1776, Introduction

Featured Books

• Rights of Man and Common Sense Hardcover - Two of the most influential pamphlets written by Thomas Paine. They are available online through other avenues, but I'm fully convinced that every library should have a copy of these.
• Thomas Paine : Collected Writings Hardcover - Or if you prefer, this selection contains almost all of his work. It includes Common Sense, The Crisis, Rights of Man, The Age of Reason, and other pamphlets, articles, and letters. 906 pages of philosophy from the American and French Revolutions.
• Thomas Paine Videocassette VHS Tape by Carl Shapiro - Originally aired on Cable TV, this 40 minute video discusses Thomas Paine's works and life.

For more information about Thomas Paine, try these links:

• Biography of Thomas Paine - A concise biography of his life by Benni Leemhuis. Although it tends to idolize him a bit, all the facts are listed.
• Common Sense - The full text divided into its four chapters and introduction are available for your reading pleasure. Provided by Bartleby Archive.
• The Age of Paine - A glowing discussion of Thomas Paine and how his spirit lives on in the Internet presented by Jon Katz and Wired Magazine. 

Articles - The Quotations Page