Thomas Paine

"Arms discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as well as property... Horrid mischief would ensue were the law-abiding deprived of the use of them. "
--Thomas Paine

"Character is much easier kept than recovered. "
--Thomas Paine

"Every science has for its basis a system of principles as fixed and unalterable as those by which the universe is regulated and governed. Man cannot make principles; he can only discover them."
--Thomas Paine

"If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately. "
--Thomas Paine

"Reason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it."
--Thomas Paine

"Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us."
--Thomas Paine

"That government is best which governs least."
--Thomas Paine

"The strength and power of despotism consists wholly in the fear of resistance."
--Thomas Paine

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

"'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death."
--Thomas Paine