Thomas Paine

Founding Father and Author of "Common Sense"

Freedom

"Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."

"Society in every state is a blessing, but government, even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one."

"The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind. Where, say some, is the king of America? I'll tell you friend, He reigns from above."

"He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty, he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself."

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

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