Common Sense

by Thomas Paine

Time makes more converts than reason.

government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one;

our calamity is heightened by reflecting that we furnish the means by which we suffer.

that the elected might never form to themselves an interest separate from the electors, prudence will point out the propriety of having elections often; because as the elected might by that means return and mix again with the general body of the electors in a few months, their fidelity to the public will be secured by the prudent reflexion of not making a rod for themselves.

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

The state of a king shuts him from the world, yet the business of a king requires him to know it thoroughly;

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

it is the pride of kings which throw mankind into confusion.

when a man seriously reflects on the idolatrous homage which is paid to the persons of Kings, he need not wonder, that the Almighty, ever jealous of his honor, should disapprove of a form of government which so impiously invades the prerogative of heaven.

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

The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, ’TIS TIME TO PART.

As parents, we can have no joy, knowing that this government is not sufficiently lasting to ensure any thing which we may bequeath to posterity:

And a government which cannot preserve the peace, is no government at all, and in that case we pay our money for nothing;

and above all things the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience;

Resolution is our inherent character, and courage hath never yet forsaken us.

We are sufficiently numerous, and were we more so, we might be less united.