For though the flame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the coal can never expire.

— Thomas Paine

Freedom had been hunted round the globe; reason was considered as rebellion; and the slavery of fear had made men afraid to think. But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing.

— Thomas Paine

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

— Thomas Paine

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

— Thomas Paine

Government, like dress, is the badge of lost innocence; the palaces of kings are built on the ruins of the bowers of paradise.

— Thomas Paine

Had it been the object or the intention of Jesus Christ to establish a new religion, he would undoubtedly have written the system himself, or procured it to be written in his lifetime. But there is no publication extant authenticated with his name. All the books called the New Testament were written after his death. He was a Jew by birth and by profession.

— Thomas Paine

He that rebels against reason is a real rebel, but he that in defense of reason rebels against tyranny has a better title to Defender of the Faith, than George the Third.

— Thomas Paine

He who dares not offend cannot be honest.

— Thomas Paine

I believe in the equality of man; and I believe that religious duties consist in doing justice, loving mercy, and endeavoring to make our fellow-creatures happy.

— Thomas Paine

I choose my life to this free. I choose my life to be this way

— Thomas Paine