Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.

Quote by Thomas Paine

Topics: Government Quotes

One of the strongest natural proofs of the folly of hereditary right in kings is,...

One of the strongest natural proofs of the folly of hereditary right in kings is,...

If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may...

If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may...

An army of principles can penetrate where an army of soldiers cannot.

An army of principles can penetrate where an army of soldiers cannot.

The greatest remedy for anger is delay.

The greatest remedy for anger is delay.

Lead, follow, or get out of the way.

Lead, follow, or get out of the way.

Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice.

Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice.

It has been the political career of this man to begin with hypocrisy, proceed with...

It has been the political career of this man to begin with hypocrisy, proceed with...

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue...

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue...

It is far better that we admitted a thousand devils to roam at large than...

It is far better that we admitted a thousand devils to roam at large than...

The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we...

The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we...

The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.

The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.

Though the flame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the coal can never expire

Though the flame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the coal can never expire

It is necessary to the happiness of man that he be mentally faithful to himself....

It is necessary to the happiness of man that he be mentally faithful to himself....

Those who expect to reap the blessings of liberty must undergo the fatigues of supporting...

Those who expect to reap the blessings of liberty must undergo the fatigues of supporting...

I believe in the equality of man; and I believe that religious duties consist in...

I believe in the equality of man; and I believe that religious duties consist in...

My country is the world, and my religion is to do good.

My country is the world, and my religion is to do good.

Arms discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the...

Arms discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the...

Every religion is good that teaches man to be good; and I know of none...

Every religion is good that teaches man to be good; and I know of none...

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

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

We can only reason from what is; we can reason on actualities, but not on...

We can only reason from what is; we can reason on actualities, but not on...