Common Sense

by Thomas Paine

a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defence of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason.

the more simple any thing is, the less liable it is to be disordered, and the easier repaired when disordered;

for as we are never in a proper condition of doing justice to others, while we continue under the influence of some leading partiality, so neither are we capable of doing it to ourselves while we remain fettered by any obstinate prejudice.

Oppression is often the consequence, but seldom or never the means of riches;

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