There are two distinct classes of what are called thoughts: those that we produce in ourselves by reflection and the act of thinking, and those that bolt into the mind of their own accord

Quote by Thomas Paine

Topics: Mind Quotes, Reflection Quotes, Thinking Quotes, Thought Quotes

That which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly.

That which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly.

From such beginnings of governments, what could be expected, but a continual system of war...

From such beginnings of governments, what could be expected, but a continual system of war...

Human nature is not of itself vicious.

Human nature is not of itself vicious.

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 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...

The American constitutions were to liberty, what a grammar is to language: they define its...

The American constitutions were to liberty, what a grammar is to language: they define its...

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

He that rebels against reason is a real rebel, but he that in defence of...

He that rebels against reason is a real rebel, but he that in defence of...

Character is much easier kept than recovered.

Character is much easier kept than recovered.

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...

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...

To live with our enemies as if they may some time become our friends, and...

To live with our enemies as if they may some time become our friends, and...

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

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

It is an affront to treat falsehood with complaisance.

It is an affront to treat falsehood with complaisance.

Reason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it.

Reason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it.

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

The bishop who has answered me has been obliged to acknowledge the fact, that the...

The bishop who has answered me has been obliged to acknowledge the fact, that the...

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.

One good schoolmaster is of more use than a hundred priests.

One good schoolmaster is of more use than a hundred priests.

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...